MINUTES of the Meeting of WESTLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall , Westleigh, on Wednesday 1st Nov. 2006 at 7.30 p.m.

Present. Cllrs. P.Fronteras (Chairman) B.Marshall, M.Cumiskey, A.Samphier, M.Hudson, J.May and M. Parks.

1106/1 Apologies for Absence. Cllr. R. Cann. (DCC)

1106/2 Planning Presentation by NDDC.
In the absence of PCSO Charles there was no police report.
The Police report was replaced by a talk by Mr K.Bines a Lead Planning Manager with North Devon District Council Planning Unit.
Mr Bines gave a very interesting presentation into both the general aspects of the planning service together with planning matters relating to local issues.
What is involved in a planning application and the process of dealing with that application and how comment and representations are taken into account.
How the Council guides and protects the environment.
Mr Bines also outlined specific aspects of design and policy including sustainable development and the difficulties within conservation areas and the additional approval required for listed buildings.
The presentation concluded with a question and answer session.
The chairman thanked Mr Bines for his attendance and thanks were extended to Cllr Rodney Cann for arranging the visit.


1106/3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 4th Oct. 2006.
Resolved that the minutes of the Meeting held on 4th Oct. 2006 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

1106/4 Matters Arising
Memorial Garden / General Maintenance
A replacement for Mr.Souster to carry out ground maintenance has still not yet been found and although not urgent at this time of year, the search is to continue.
The clerk reported that two contractors had expressed an interest and maintenance details had been sent to them for their consideration.

Bus Shelter.
The clerk has written to several manufacturers for details of vandal proof seating.

Holmacott Landfill Site.
An assurance by Mr A Bowman of the planning authority that he would supply Cllr. Marshall with the operating details of Holmacott landfill site has not been forthcoming. The clerk was asked to pursue the matter.

Westleigh Website
The website has received 4400 visits during the last month and is generally being well used
Westleigh Heritage Forum.
Cllr Cumiskey is continuing to communicate with the gentleman in Australia over his childhood in the village
Parish Clerk
The vacancy for a parish clerk is to be advertised with an item in the Instow and Westleigh News.
Cllr Marshall had approached a possible candidate and a formal or informal application is awaited.

North Devon Festival.
Cllr. Cumiskey reported that his proposal that Westleigh should be more involved with the N.D.Festival next year, was received enthusiastically by the village hall committee.
The possibility of staging a dance and maybe a farm tour was discussed and whilst the situation is still at a very early stage Cllr Cumiskey will keep the parish council informed of any progress.

1106/5 Parishioners Questions.
Various comments were received on the earlier planning presentation.

1106/6 District and County Council Reports.
In the absence of Cllr. Brown there was no report from NDDC.

Cllr. R. Cann DCC.
Although Cllr Cann had sent his apologies for his absence he had submitted a written report for information.
Westleigh Junction
A “cluster review” of accidents at the Westleigh junction has revealed an unacceptable set of statistics.
The real solution lies in the construction of a roundabout but economics suggest that this is not likely to be carried out in the foreseeable future.
DCC engineers have been asked to look at alternative improvements with the hope of being implemented in the next financial year.
Urban Search and Rescue
A new search and rescue unit based at Clyst St.George has been set up to deal with the results of terrorism.
The unit, one of 19 across the country has been set up by the National Government is staffed by specially trained personnel with specialised equipment.
Road Maintenance
Reconstruction and resurfacing work is continuing on the A39. between the Portmore and Roundswell roundabouts.
DCC Public Liability Claims.
Public liability claims against DCC over the last 9years totalled 4,420.
Of these claims 1,872 (42%) have resulted in no payment, the remainder have resulted in payment or are still under investigation.
The average cost of settlement is approx £250,000 per annum.
The number of claims has remained stable over the past decade with a slight rise in 2000-2001. due to an unusual number of flooding claims.

1106/7 Parking / Play Area.

Nothing to report

1106/8 Correspondence.
A copy of all correspondence received in the past month was made available to all councillors. Resolved that all correspondence be noted.

1106/9 Finance.
A copy of expenditure was presented to councillors. Resolved, that the expenditure totalling £ 274.73 be approved and accounts be paid accordingly.


1106/10 Planning
Application Ref No.42906
Proposal. Extension and Alterations to Dwelling.
Location. Southcott, Bideford.
Planning permission Granted.


1106/11 Any Other Business.
Cllr J.May reported further “fly tipping”at Market Lane.
The clerk was asked to report the matter to NDDC.

An application was made from Mr Jonathan Craze for co-option onto the parish council.
The clerk was asked to commence the appropriate procedure in order to co-opt
Mr Craze onto the council.