Minutes of Past Parish Council Meetings

MINUTES

Wednesday, January 14th 2009

Public participation - in items on the agenda - 7.30 pm

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - 7.45 pm

A large number of Ashwater residents (mainly people from the northern point of the parish near Dunsland Cross) attended the meeting. It was decided to bring item no 3.5 forward as the residents were at the meeting in this respect.

Barry Parsons did not attend this part of the meeting as a declaration of interest point.

Steve James spoke about the proposed erection of 4 x 105 metre high wind turbines near Dunsland Cross between the A3072 and A3079. The nearest property to the proposed site is The Vale which is 116 metres away from the position of the wind turbines (a site is not meant to be less than 600 metres distance). There is a risk of damage and danger to health through turbines and also a safety issue. The site will be next to the proposed new cycle route 3 and there is also concern about safety along the A3079. The developers study has not looked at the hedgerow along the A3079. The developers have acknowledged that there could be a high risk to bats. Dormice would be effected by the making of a new entrance. The current entrance along the A3072 is safer and would not disturb the dormice nest and habitats. The Dunsland Turbine Opposition Group have identified 49 policies in conflict with the proposal. Steve James suggested that the parish council should reject the project on health and noise grounds and that it is too close to residents homes and properties.

Ivan Buxton suggested that everyone should read the documents in support of the projection and that there was not much time for the parish council and also residents of the parish to put forward there rejections. Ultrasounds and noises that can be heard by birds, and drives them away. Bats which are a protected species will be affected more than birds. The pre-site survey was not taken into account. If Dunsland Cross was looked at in detail, the down draft creates a vortex that affects bats. The entire site and the way that it is laid out makes it impossible that not a single bat will be affected. A new access will be made on the eastern side of the site, but by destroying the hedgerow, the dormice which are also a protected species will have their habitat destroyed. The rudimentary bird survey that was provided is out of date. Curlew (also protected) nests will also be affected. The wind turbines will have an accumulative affect on animals in the area.

Barbara Frey went on to say that she has evidence that the noise could affect the sleep of people near the wind turbines and there is no respite as they would be turning 24 hours a day. The noise is not a steady loud noise but a thumping noise of the blades turning continuously. This could be very distressing especially at night and can cause stress. The high frequency sound may disturb animals and these are sounds that a human may not hear. The developers say that there is not an audible noise, but an inaudible noise could have an adverse affect, especially at night when trying to sleep and could produce a physiological affect. The developers have measured the sound that could be produced by the wind turbines but they have only reported the average sound which not a true picture as no peaks or troughs are shown. The research papers say that a person can sleep through noise but this can affect health. Barbara mentioned various reports made by the World Health Organisation recognising that noise from wind turbines can damage health. The solution would be to not site wind turbines near peoples homes. She asked for the support from the parish council in support of the Dunsland Turbine Opposition Group to object to the application that the erection of the wind turbines would affect too many peoples quality of life. The wind turbines would be visible from the new parish hall plus there would be flashing lights on the blades. The developer has also applied to erect a mast on the site for 12 months which basically would be to see how they could get money (therefore the developer is putting the mast there for financial gain). The type of mast is dangerous to birds. There are 2 site plans with regards to noise and the measurements in these are not accurate, and there is no indication what set of plans would be used. There is no statutory distance mentioned but a safe distance is suggested.

Trevor Moon thanked the residents for attending the meeting.

Present: Trevor Moon, Pete Jennings, Eric Burnill, Steve Furse, Lawrence Langston, Alex Beynon, Pat May, Barry Parsons (part), Sheila Myers (Clerk)

1. Apologies for Absence

Betty Batt, Mary Gliddon

2. Declaration of Interest of any Agenda items and approval of the minutes of the last meeting

Barry Parsons left the meeting when the item of planning at Dunsland Cross was discussed. Item 4.2 the name should read Roy Moon. The minutes were amended and signed by TM, proposed PJ, seconded SF.

3. Planning

3.1 Clawford Vineyard Fishery: Approved as long as the owners consult with their neighbours and the planning passes all relevant environmental requirements. TM signed the letter with the above comments. Proposed EB, seconded SF.
3.2 Bonsai Nursery: SM had received an email from Nigel Marshall who said that alternative accommodation was being looked for. BP advised that a number of dwellings have been turned down. However, he will advise Nigel Marshall and wait to hear. This item to be carried forward.
3.3 East Down Farm: To be monitored and carried forward.
3.4 Elm Cottage, Cross Lane: The problem here is continuing. SM to contact Nigel Marshall as the dung heap is unacceptable as per point 3 of TDC’s refusal of planning letter.
3.5 Dunsland Cross Wind Turbines: The noise will be a real problem and could be heard a long way from the site, it will have an environmental impact as well as a safety issue. It was proposed that the parish council would write a letter to TDC advising them that the parish council object to the application. PJ said that he would draft a letter for SM to circulate to the councillors prior to it being sent out. Proposed LL, seconded PM. Similarly a second letter will be sent to TDC objecting to the application for a testing mast. Proposed EB, seconded PJ.

4. Footpaths

EB said that there is nothing to report. Needs to get the invoice from Roy Moon before 14 February 2009 regarding Langaford – the gates at the bottom of Church Walk. With regards to Larkworthy is has been too wet to do any work and the work will be deferred until the next financial year.

5. Finance

5.1 There is £1,988.29 in the parish council bank account.
5.2 As far as the website course for Henriette North is concerned LL was still waiting for details. The matter will be looked at again in the next financial year.
5.3 An electricity bill had been received for £32.06 for payment, proposed AB, seconded PJ.

6. Correspondence / Communications

6.1 Meetings Attended: The next meeting of the Holsworthy Area Advisory Group will be on Monday 19 January 2009 at the Memorial Hall. EB and AB said that they would attend.
6.2 Parish Plan: A drop in surgery is being arranged on Friday 30 January 2009 at Hatherleigh. SM has passed details to TM, BB and MG.
6.3 Dog Fouling Bins for village: Various locations were discussed including bottom of Church Walk, towards Henford near the show field gate or further along, and past the rectory. EB suggested that P3 money could be used to provide bins. EB asked is there is a charge to empty the bins, maintenance and cost of bags made by TDC. SM to contact Richard Haste in this respect ie ask what financial implications there would be for the parish and also if there was a preferable bin that TDC thought suitable. The matter will be carried forward to the next meeting.
6.4 Town/Parish Councillors Allowances: Passed to LL.
6.5 Boundaries: Noted.
6.6 Communities in Control: Code of recommended practice on local authority publicity - document circulated.
6.7 DAPC: Cascade training opportunities - noted.
6.8 Open Spaces Society News Release: SM to contact Kate Ashbrook to find out common land in Ashwater parish.
6.9 Ruby Country Training Opportunities: Noted.
6.10 NALC: Legal Briefing - noted.
6.11 Registering Common Land: EB will look into.
6.12 Bus Stop Data Update Area North: LL will complete form.
6.13. Insurance: Passed to LL
6.14 LT Fund: Delivering Affordable Housing - passed to TM 6.15 Emergency Planning Radio; Noted.
6.16 Councils Suppliers Guide and Yearbook: SM has received a copy of the book for information.
6.17 The parish council was advised that Bill Tanton had passed away, LL would write a letter to his family.

The meeting closed at 9.15 pm.
The next meeting will be Wednesday 11 February 2009.

Minutes 01/09

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