MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL ON WEDNESDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2009 AT 7.30 PM.

Present: Cllrs. B.Marshall (Chairman), Mrs.M.Parks (Vice Chairman), J.May, WJ Dart, D.Peel.

1209/01: Apologies. NIL

1209/02: Police Report.
PC.T.Hodgson apologised for being unable to attend because of police business, but advised there was no reported crime within the parish.

1209/03: Minutes of the Meeting held on the 4th November 2009.
Proposed by Cllr.WJ Dart and Seconded by Cllr.D.Peel that the minutes be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman accordingly.

1209/04: Matters Arising.
A). Memorial Garden and Bus Shelter.
Devon County Council to be contacted again regarding the safety aspect of the bolts on the village seat.
B). Westleigh Website.
No problems have been received regarding the website.
C). BT Telephone Kiosk, Eastleigh.
Application ongoing.

1209/05: 15 Minutes for Parishioners Questions.
Two members of the parish attended. There were no questions.

1209/06: County and District Council Reports.
Devon County Councillor Mr.R.Cann presented the following information;
There would be increasing Housing Development North of Yelland, Bickington and significant growth at Fremington Camp; with a provision of approximately 50 hectares of employment land within Devon of which will include the above locations.
There was an overspend on the Direct Labour Unit Centre.
Recycling rates are exceeding Government targets. Bringing ‘in house’ the dry recycling collection has saved the Authority in excess of £200K. The Food Waste collection is now operating successfully across the District.
A39 Westleigh Junction – Design work and costing are under consideration at County Hall, Exeter.
North Devon District Councillor Mr.B.Moores presented the following information;
Unauthorised Development update:- EMF206 Lester House. Notice served.
EMF626 White Lodge – Notice served.
Local Government Review. The Boundary Committee for England are pleased that the Court of Appeal has recognised that the process the committee followed in formulating its draft proposal. Their role in this process is not to decide what will happen but to give Government independent advice.
Myrtle Cottage, Westleigh; North Devon District Housing Officer will visit the property.
North Devon District Council agreed to continue in principal dialogue with Torridge District Council regarding joint and shared working arrangements.
1209/07: Correspondence.
St Peters Church, Westleigh, Fund/Raising for Restoration Work; further discussion.
Correspondence received from the Leader of Devon County Council regarding the A39 Westleigh Junction. The safety concerns have been recorded and Devon County Council is looking at a range of options for change at the Junction.
RESOLVED: All correspondence be noted.

1209/08: Finance.
INCOME. NIL
EXPENDITURE FOR AUTHORISATION AND PAYMENT.
A copy of Expenditure was presented to Councillors.
RESOLVED: That the Expenditure of £517.90 be approved and Accounts paid accordingly. Proposed by Cllr.WJ Dart and Seconded by Cllr.D.Peel.
The Proposed Parish PRECEPT application of £2,500 and the Proposed Parish GRANT application (50% - Village Hall/ 50% - Church Burial Ground) to North Devon District Council for the 2010/2011 claim was agreed and proposed by Cllr.J.May and Seconded by Cllr.D.Peel. As no official update had been received from North Devon District Council regarding the new Electoral Roll, the Grant value could not be proposed, but would equate to the agreed percentage above.

1209/09: Planning.
North Devon District Council. Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Listed Building Application for Improvement to Access and Realignment of Stone Wall at Eastleigh Manor, Eastleigh, Bideford. Application no: 49375.
Further Planning Application no: 49338 regarding Listed Building Access.
Parish Councillors had been advised of the above, and no objections were received.

1209/10. Parish Council Vacancies.
Cllr.B.Marshall (Chairman) received two applications for co-option on to Westleigh Parish Council. Application from Mrs.D.Gibbs of Eastleigh (who was present at the parish council meeting) to become a Westleigh Parish Councillor. The Chairman invited questions from Parish Councillors to Mrs.Gibbs. After general discussion the Chairman requested a proposer and seconder for Mrs. Gibbs application. Cllr.Mrs.M. Parks proposed and Cllr.J.May seconded that Mrs Gibbs be invited to become a co-opted member of Westleigh Parish Council. The Chairman welcomed her to the Parish Council
Application from North Devon District Councillor Mr.B.Moores of Instow to become a Westleigh Parish Councillor. The Chairman invited questions from Parish Councillors to Mr.B.Moores. After general discussion the Chairman requested a proposer and seconder for Mr.Moores application. Cllr.J.May proposed and Cllr.D.Peel seconded that Mr.B.Moores be invited to become a co-opted member of Westleigh Parish Council. The Chairman welcomed him to the Parish Council.

1209/11. Any other business at the Chairman’s discretion.
There was no other business.