MINUTES of the Meeting of Westleigh Parish Council held in the Village Hall, Westleigh on Wednesday 5th October 2007. At 7.30pm.

Present:- Cllrs. B.Marshall (Chairman), Mrs.M.Parks (Vice Chairman), P.Fronteras, M.Hudson, W.J.Dart.

10/01. Apologies:- Cllrs. J.May, J.Craze.

10/02. Police Report:-
PC.T.Hodgson sent his apology for not being able to attend.
PCSO. D.Cornish attended, and reported that from the 6th September to the 3rd October 2007 there had been one reported crime; that of criminal damage to a vehicle, and has been filed as undetected. Also during this period there had been reported one log of dangerous driving on the A39 towards Bideford.
There has also been increased level of car crime in North Devon, and PCSO Cornish has been conducting vulnerable vehicle searches whereby valuables are visible inside , or windows open, and the registered keeper is informed.
Police surgeries will be starting in Instow, and this will be advertised on parish notice-boards.

10/03. Minutes of Meeting held on the 5th September 2007:-
Proposed by Cllr.P.Fronteras, Seconded by Cllr.M.Hudson that the minutes be agreed as a correct record, and signed by the Chairman accordingly.

10/04. Matters Arising:-
A. Memorial Garden/General Maintenance.
General maintenance within the parish is going well, and Mr.Jacobs will be tidying up for the winter period.
B. Bus Shelter.
Report of corner guttering missing on new bus shelter.
C. Westleigh Website.
Cllr.P.Fronteras advised that the website continued to be well supported with 7922 visits recorded for September 2007.
D. Instow and Westleigh Parish News.
An invitation to the Parish News for a committee member to attend the next parish council meeting to give a brief insight into the Parish Newsletter.

10/05. 15 Minutes for Parishioners Questions.
A parishioner attended the parish council meeting with a number of questions which will be investigated and dealt with as necessary.

10/06. County and District Council Reports.
County Councillor. Mr. R.Cann advised that the funding, help and advice for parents/carers of children with special needs have now broken the £1 million pound mark.
The Adult and Community Services are to undergo a modernisation programme.
DEFRA have asked Devon County Council for a procedure guidance in respect of ‘fly tipping’ as this as an example of good practice.
DCC have only allowed the public for the whole of Devon to dispose of foodstuffs and kitchen waste at the Deep Moor Civic Amenity site; but DCC have agreed site litter bins at Seven Brethren, which will allow residents to deposit waste during open hours. This is due to commence April 2008.

North Devon District Councillor, Mr. B.Moores discussed planning issues of concern in the area.
The North Devon Ferry Project was discussed with a view to resurrect the Ferry Operation between Appledore and Instow, and also pleasure trips between other locations using amphibious vehicles.
A feasability study is being undertaken, and the project has the support of North Devon District and Torridge District Councils.

10/07. Correspondence:-
Correspondence has been received from Devon County Council regarding the dimming of street lighting under the proposed DCC energy street lighting scheme. This item will be added to the agenda for the November parish meeting, whereby Cllr.R.Cann will advise the necessary requirements for this scheme.
Ownership of land adjacent to the telephone box at Eastleigh still to be clarified, which will postpone any future schemes at this site.
Correspondence received from the Chairman of the North Devon Ferry Project requesting Parish Council support. After information given by Councillor. B.Moores on this project Cllr.M.Hudson proposed and Cllr.P.Fronteras seconded to agree to support this project in principle only, subject to further information.
Correspondence received from Mr. C.Coldwell (Chief Executive) of the ‘1991 Tapeley Life Interest Trust’ regarding the feasability of creating an avenue of trees from the main road to Westleigh Village . After discussion by councillors it was resolved that this scheme would be to complex for the parish council to progress.
House to House Act 1939 – Fund Raising Initiatives, on behalf of ‘Dogs Trust’ and ‘Action for Blind People’ between 1st November 2007 and 31st October 2008 in Westleigh Parish Council. Application to North Devon District Council to grant licence.
Resolved :– The Parish Council raised no objection.

10/08. Finance.
Income:-
North Devon District Council…….Parish Grant……………….£ 285.00
North Devon District Council…….Parish Precept (50%)…… £1500.00

Expenditure:-
A copy of expenditure was presented to councillors.
Resolved: the expenditure of £402.08 be approved and the accounts paid accordingly.

10/09. Planning.

North Devon District Council.
1. Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Planning Ref: 45275
Ref: Application for Extension to Dwelling and Erection of Detached Garage at No.1. Oxmans Cottages, Westleigh. Bideford.
The Parish Council were in favour for ‘Off Road Parking’.
The Parish Council have raised no objections.

Note: Councillor.Mrs.M.Parks took no part in discussions of the above application.

2. Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Planning ref: 44596
Extension to Dwelling at No.4.Langmead, Westleigh. Bideford.
Planning Permission – Refused.

3. Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Planning ref; 44881
Extension to Dwelling at Ashridge Mill, Ashridge. Bideford.
Planning Permission – Granted.

10/10. Any other business at the Chairman’s discretion.

There were no comments.