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CULLOMPTON TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of Town Council meeting held on Thursday 5th October 2006 at 7.00pm
in the Town Hall
Present Town Mayor Councillor B Marshall (in the chair)
Deputy Town Mayor Cllr M McColm and Councillors: S Alford, Mrs E Andrews, G Barden,
Mrs J Campbell, Mrs P Cornell, Mrs M Coxhead, J Hill, B Mitchell, Mrs J Rutley,
M Thompson and R Weinstein
Mrs J Morris – Clerk
Also in attendance: Cllr J Berry (Devon County Council), Cllrs E Dennis and T Snow (Mid
Devon District Council) and 3 members of the public
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME: As no member of the public wished to ask a question this
section of the meeting did not take place
91. Apologies for absence accepted from: Cllrs Mrs V Fyles-Legg and Mrs P Hammett
92. PRESENTATION BY AND DISCUSSION WITH IAN PARSONS FROM THE
HIGHWAYS AGENCY REGARDING CAPACITY OF M5 JUNCTION 28
Mr Parsons assured the Council that although the Highways Agency was concerned about
capacity at Junction 28, and the impact any further housing or other development might have,
they fully support the Northern Distributor Road and the benefits for the town.
In response to a question from Cllr Thompson regarding the manual drop-down sign used to
Warn motorists when the slip-road is at capacity. Mr Parsons confirmed that it has not been
used for several years, the possibility of the sign being electrified could be investigated as a
means of mitigating the current problem.
Persimmon has agreed to carry out an assessment of the junction and the impact the
proposed development will have, this should be completed by the end of October. However a
full assessment is required to understand the situation and what measures are needed to bring
the junction up to a good safety standard. He stressed that there was no intention to construct
an additional motorway junction between Cullompton and Broadclyst.
The Town Mayor thanked Mr Parsons for attending and he left the meeting
93. REPORT FROM CULLOMPTON COMMUNITY PC MAX TOVEY: PC Tovey
gave a short up-date on staffing levels at Cullompton Police Station. She reported that
an additional full time Officer would be joining the team to assist with policing in
Bradninch and Cullompton on 15th October. There will also be 2 additional CPSOs
fully trained by January 2007.
94. MINUTES: the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 21st September 2006 were
approved and signed as a correct record
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95. COUNTY/DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS:
(i) Devon County Councillor John Berry reported that St Andrews Primary School
extension was officially opened last week and members of the council are welcome to
contact the headmaster to arrange a conducted tour. Update meeting regarding future
of Orchard Lea Residential Home to be held at Padbrook Park on Monday 9th October.
(ii) Mid Devon Councillor Mrs Jane Campbell reported on business plan meeting with
tenants, proposed increase in leisure centre charges and investigation into a different
way of running leisure services, options include contracting out or creating some form
of trust.
Discussion ensued with regard to cost of landscaping improvements at St Andrews
Estate and whether this was necessary at a time when MDDC appears to be short of
cash. Also whether increases in car parking charges would deter people from using
the car parks.
(iii) Mid Devon District Councillor Terry Snow reported
MDDC‟s decision to stop taking money at local offices. To be phased in by
April 2008. People will be able to pay Council Tax and rent at post offices, this
will benefit local post offices.
He is working with Ragland Housing Association and their tenants at Crowbridge
Park to look at ways of combating ant-social problems.
He will be requesting that a study is undertaken into the feasibility of re-
opening Cullompton station.
Transport Focus Group, of which he is the Chairman, is commissioning a
„transport needs‟ survey of the local area.
Concern that at the present time MDDC and CTC do not appear to be working
together – look at joint working.
96. FINANCE: To consider the following grant applications:
Clerk reported that there was approximately £200 remaining in the grant fund
(i) Cullompton Junior Netball Club
RESOLVED that the Council make a grant of £150 to the Cullompton Junior Netball Club
(ii) CHAT
RESOLVED that, as all the grant fund has now been allocated, CHAT be requested to
reapply in April 2007
97. COMMITTEES & WORKING GROUPS To accept Minutes of the following
Committees and Working Group and approve the recommendations contained
therein:
(i) Website Working Group meeting held on 20th September 2006
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Website Working Group meeting held on 20th September
2006 be noted
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(ii) Properties Committee meeting held on 25th September 2006
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Properties Committee meeting held on 25th September
2006 be accepted and the recommendations contained therein be approved
(iii) Personnel Committee meeting held on 27th September 2006
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Personnel Committee meeting held on 27th September
2006 be accepted and the recommendations contained therein be approved with the exception
of item 278. which should be amended to read “that the Council supports the idea of joint
working and that the Clerk be given delegated power to negotiate and report back terms and
conditions with MDDC”.
(iv) Financial Management Committee meeting held on 27th September 2006
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Financial Management Committee meeting be accepted
and the recommendations contained therein be approved
98. PLANNING
(i) To consider and make comment on current planning applications as notified
to all members and which are displayed on the Town Council notice board
06/02063/FULL – Mrs R E Vicary
Conversion of barn to 1 no. dwelling at Land & Buildings NGR 298218 108783 Butterleigh –
Accept recommendations of Planning Officer
06/02065/FULL – Padbrook Park
Retrospective application for the installation of 4 no. floodlights and use of the lights from –
September to April: Recommend refusal, at the time of the original application for the driving
range (04/1406) people living in neighbouring properties objected to the erection of any form
of lighting, at that time they were assured that no lighting would be installed. It would appear
that Padbrook Park has reneged on this original agreement.
06/02051/CAT – Mrs R Steward
Notification of intention to carry out works to an Ash Tree within a Conservation Area at
Church Cottage, 13 Gravel Walk – Accept recommendations of Planning Officer and Tree
Specialist
06/02059/CLU – Mr G Munn
Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed erection of an extension at 11 Honiton Road – As
Mr Munn is an ex-town councillor would prefer that this application is determined on the
recommendations of the Planning Officer
NOTE: Councillor R Weinstein declared a prejudicial interest in respect of the following
planning application and withdrew from the meeting whilst it was discussed.
Councillor Mrs J Campbell declared a personal interest in respect of the following planning
application
06/01936/FULL – Millwood Homes
Erection of 4 no. houses and 10 no. flats with associated parking at NGR 301917 107216
Shortlands Lane – Recommend refusal, the council is extremely concerned about the affect
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this proposal would have on people living in the local area. The original permission on this
land is for 4 dwellings, in view of the very poor access and parking problems anything over
and above that number is not acceptable for the following reasons:
Overdevelopment of site
Access is very poor and parking is non-existent. How will delivery lorries, dustcarts,
emergency vehicles etc. access this site?
Residential development without parking is not appropriate for a rural area. People
need cars to get to work!
The proposal to provide 8 parking spaces for the 4 houses will create conflict as
people living in or visiting the 10 flats without any provision for parking will try to
use these spaces.
Unsustainable development, building homes without parking in an area where there is
already parking problems will create problems for future generations
The Councils feels strongly that this development should be rejected and if the Planning
Officer is minded to approve would insist that it is determined by the Planning Committee
and a site visit undertaken.
NOTE 1: It was requested that the Clerk record the Council‟s disappointment that Cllr Snow
had left the meeting prior to discussion with regard to the following item in view of his call
for joint working between MDDC and CTC.
NOTE 2: Cllr M Thompson declared a prejudicial interest in respect of the following
planning application and withdrew from the meeting whilst it was discussed
06/02010/FULL – Mid Devon District Council
Formation of skatepark area and youth shelter at Cullompton Community College –
Recommend refusal:
The Street Sports facility in Tiverton is, generally, in use throughout the day. Placing
restrictions on opening hours is not acceptable as the facility will not be used to its full
potential. The college is open in the evening and at weekends for evening classes, use
by local organisations etc. how will this affect the opening hours?
Only two representatives of the skateboarders attended the site meeting - this does not
constitute a full consultation and how were the questions posed?
Meadow Lane residents have not been consulted and the Mid Devon District Council
reports states that only one resident has complained – so why the need to relocate the
facility?
Don‟t see the point in losing one amenity, that can be used by the college students and
others during school hours, for the sake of one that can‟t.
The Town Council is constantly being told that it should be working more closely with
Mid Devon but Mid Devon is not working closely with the Town Council.
The Town Council is strongly opposed to this proposal and would ask that, should the
Planning Officer be minded to approve, that it is determined by the Planning Committee
06/01943/FULL – Rev G Milford
Erection of extension at 34 Head Weir Road – Recommend approval
06/01991/FULL – ABN Ltd
Erection of warehouse with 2 no. storage hoppers at ABN Ltd Saunders Way – Recommend
approval
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06/01999/FULL – Mr & Mrs D Arbery
Erection of extension at Mutterton Moor Farm – Recommend approval
06/01710/OUT – St Regis Paper Co Ltd
Outline for the erection of 16 dwellings and formation of access at The Orchard, Kings Mill
Road - Recommend refusal for the following reasons:
This site is not appropriate for residential development being too far from local
amenities such as schools, shops etc. Residents will require cars – this makes the
development unsustainable
Site is more suitable for light industry/offices
We have been told that M5 junction 28 is at capacity and an assessment is required to
understand the measures required to remedy the situation. No further development
should be considered until the assessment has been completed.
A traffic impact assessment is required for the Kings Mill Industrial Estate and the
roads leading to it.
Contrary to Local Enquiry Inspector‟s recommendation that no residential
development should be permitted on that side of the motorway
06/01711/FULL – St Regis Paper Co Ltd
Erection of 4 dwellings, conversion of former granary to 1 no. dwelling, alteration of access
and provision of roadside footway at Land & Buildings NGR 302888 107989 Kings Mill
Road – As above
06/01709/OUT – St Regis Paper Co
Outline for light industrial (office) development (B1 use class) Land NGR 302936 107919
Kings Mill Road – Defer until there is a good understanding of the situation with regard to the
capacity of M5 Junction 28 and the impact any further development will have, also require
traffic management plan
06/01415/FULL - 1418/OUT: Persimmon Homes South West
These applications will be considered by MDDC Planning Committee on 11th October, site
visit beforehand: Town Mayor and Lead Member for Planning to attend site meeting.
(ii) To receive details of planning decisions and other matters as considered
appropriate by the Lead Member for Planning
The following planning applications received conditional planning approval:
06/01868/FULL – Mr T Westlake
Erection of tool shed at 19 Oak Drive
06/01850/FULL – Mr & Mrs Parsons
Erection of 1 no. dwelling and demolition of existing garage to form access at Land NGR
302284 107067 (Millway) Lower Mill Lane
06/01747/FULL – Mr R Berry
Erection of a garage at Llandaff House, Goblin Lane
(iii) Cullompton Conservation Area Management Plan: Management Plan to be drafted,
response required by 1st November. Councillors were requested to view the
Conservation Area Appraisal for discussion at the next meeting
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(iv) To consider letter from Mid Devon District Council regarding various planning
matters
RESOLVED that the Council respond requesting a traffic management study for Tiverton
Road
99. To agree response to Cullompton Air Quality Management Area: Consultation
RESOLVED that the Council recommend Option 3 as its preferred Air Quality Management
Area (AQMA)
100. CULLOMPTON FARMERS’ MARKET: To consider and approve response to letter
from Mid Devon District Council
RESOLVED that the Council ask MDDC Chief Executive to attend its next meeting to justify
comments made in the letter. Councillor comments included:
Increase in takings in Station Road car park on Farmers‟ Market days
There is no comparison between Tiverton, Crediton and Cullompton, there is no
power supply or other facilities at Cullompton
Cullompton is a market town and shopkeepers expect it to have a market, the market
brings people into the town centre.
101. CORRESPONDENCE
90.06 Involve: Newletter and Annual Report; Noted
91.06 Mid Devon Transport Group: Stakeholder event 25th October at St Georges Hall
Extension Tiverton 9.45am-2pm - Noted
92.06 Home Start Mid Devon: AGM 19th October 12.15pm – 2pm at Sunningmead
Community Centre, Tiverton - Noted
93.06 Devon & Cornwall Police Authority: Police Authority Liaison meeting at School
Hall, Willand on 16th October at 7pm - Noted
94.06 Pennon Group plc: Report on corporate responsibility for environmental and social
issues 2006 - Noted
95.06 Mrs Vallis: Concern about proposed development at Meadow Lane – send copy to the
Environment Agency
96.06 Community Council of Devon: Access Training Workshops - noted
97.06 Tiverton Tourist Information Centre: Invitation to Partners‟ Meeting - noted
The meeting closed at 9.30pm Signed ……………………………………….