17th October 2006
TEIGNMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, BITTON HOUSE ON TUESDAY, 17th OCTOBER, 2006
AT 6.30 P.M.
Present: Cllr. F. Tooley – Chairman
Cllr. S. Russell – Vice-Chairman
Cllr. B. Battershill, Cllr. D. Cox,
Cllr. S. Dawe, Cllr. R. Phillips,
Cllr. M. Strudwick, Cllr. D. Weekes,
Cllr. C. Whitlock
Members of the Public and Press
Apologies: Cllr. G. Bladon, Cllr. V. Fusco, Cllr. R. Petherick
Cllr. C. Bray (D.C.C.)
In respect of this meeting, those Councillors who serve at Town, District and/or County level will be declaring a personal but not prejudicial interest to the appropriate authority in that any view expressed on any matter will not bind the Councillor but will be considered afresh, taking into account all the relevant evidence and representations provided at District or County level.
99. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Gordon Eaton, proprietor of County Garage, asked for support for his planning application for a change of use on the site, assuring the Council that there would not be an increase of traffic movement or pollution on Bitton Park Road.
100. MATTERS OF URGENCY BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CHAIRMAN
The Chairman expressed concern that the Council had not been informed by the District of the approach by Waitrose for possible development on the Broadmeadow area; Councillors only becoming aware after reading press reports. The Clerk will write to the District Council asking that the Council is kept fully informed of all matters pertaining to Broadmeadow and to enquire about the future plans for the field at Bishopsteignton purchased by the District Council.
Cllr. Whitlock advised that he had commenced the process to register the Broadmeadow playing fields as a village green.
101. CLERK’S REPORT
The Clerk reported receipt of the following:-
- Receipt of an e-mail from David Beer, Assistant to the Chief Executive, confirming that Waitrose has approached the District Council seeking to establish an outlet at Broadmeadow.
- Acknowledgement from Devon County Council regarding continuous white lines at The Strand which are contributing to blocked access problems at Leander Court.
- A letter from Flt Lt Rick Webb, the newly appointed Commanding Officer of 1322 Squadron who intends to re-establish the Teignmouth Unit, asking for the Council’s support and cooperation in this endeavour. There will be an open evening to encourage new members at the Lower Bitton HQ on Wednesday, 18th October.
- The Council’s view is sought by the District Council on the naming of three local developments. They are (1) Coombe Vale Road – “Barton House”, (2) Brook Street – “St. Michael’s Mews”, and (3) Willow Street – “The Moorings”. There were no objections.
- A letter from Arqiva in response to the Town Council’s concerns about the extension to the Transmitting Station at Teignmouth Community College, Exeter Road. Local residents have expressed concern about emissions and Arqiva responds to the points made. The letter is available in the office for information.
- Shaldon Parish Council has written to request the use of the Point beach for a fireworks display on November 4th. It has also applied for a Street Collection permit. There were no objections.
102. DEVON AND CORNWALL POLICING REARRANGEMENTS
Cllr. Russell referred to a letter received from the Chief Constable’s office in response to the Council’s correspondence regarding the lack of police presence in Teignmouth. The new Acting Chief Superintendent is Barry Marsden and the Clerk will invite him to meet with the Council to address its concerns.
103. FISH QUAY/GALES HILL
Cllr. Dawe advised the Council that Graham Walker of the District Council had expressed interest in outline proposals by the Teign Fishermen & Watermen’s Association of the creation of an access route to the end of the fish quay for easier landing and transport of catches. Mr Walker welcomes this idea which would resolve the safety concerns about South West Water’s underground tanks whilst offering a safe and strong access for the workers of the fishing industry. It is felt that although Teignmouth does not have the biggest fishing fleet, Defra regards it as strategically important and the indication is that funding would be available. Mr. Walker considers that it is likely that the Regional Development Agency could offer ten thousand pounds in grants for a feasibility study.
Cllr. Russell said that the issue of the fish quay had been raised quite frequently at the Flood Defence Scheme consultations and a new route for the fish quay could start the regeneration of the whole area. A covenant could be included that would ensure that the public could have proper access to the steps from the quay to the water, thus increasing leisure activities.
All Councillors felt that it was an opportunity to tidy up and enhance the area, to secure the local fishing industry’s future and increase leisure opportunities for visitors and locals. There would be no great opposition to the demolition of the old mortuary so long as a replacement building more suitable for the Fishermen & Watermen was supplied.
Standing Orders were suspended to allow Mr. Barry Wilson to put the point of view of the Teign Fishermen & Watermen’s Association. Mr Wilson said that the Association had been held to ransom for access by South West Water for too long and a new access route would clear up the area and secure the future of the local fishing industry. There was no interest in retaining the old mortuary and a decent building at a reasonable rent would be very much welcomed by the Association.
Standing Orders were resumed.
Cllr. Dawe moved that Teignmouth Town Council writes to Graham Walker, Teignbridge District Council, to welcome these initial proposals concerning the possibility of an access route for commercial vehicles to the end of the Fish Quay and also to encourage Graham Walker /Teignbridge District Council to conduct a detailed feasibility survey and to report back to the Town Council. The proposal was seconded by Cllr. Phillips and agreed.
Cllr. Weekes and Cllr. Cox declared an interest.
The Clerk will also invite Mr. Walker to come and talk to the town Council with representatives of the Fishermen & Watermen’s Association to discuss whether or not a Working Party would be helpful at this stage.
104. RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PLANNING ASSESSMENT PANEL
The Planning Committee meeting of 29th September 2006 being inquorate, the Chairman, Cllr. Russell, presented the recommendations of the Assessment Panel Meeting of 22nd September 2006 for adoption by the Council.
It was duly noted that the Council has received a letter from Mr. Eaton’s architect setting out details of traffic flow in connection with the County Garage application (06/06595/COU). Therefore, subject to the agreement of the Highway Authority, the Council is satisfied that the change of use should not cause any extra traffic flow or pollution and this will be added as an addendum to the minutes.
Subject to the above, the minutes were received and approved unanimously. (Cllr. Cox abstained)
105. TEIGNMOUTH HOSPITAL
Cllr. Russell presented three reports, already circulated to Councillors, giving an update on the situation at Teignmouth hospital.
It was noted that on page 2 the new hours should have read 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Subject to the above, the reports were received and noted.
Standing Orders were suspended for an input from members of the League of Friends. Its Treasurer, Mr. Tony Ellacott, stated that he would have been happier had there been more junior staff at the Board Meeting. Mr. Colin Ingram said that his main concern was that the hospital is to be closed for so long for the installation of the lift, a period of 30 weeks. Miss Freda Welton felt that despite the fulsome words from the PCT there had been unfulfilled promises before and that we should remain vigilant.
The Chairman thanked the League of Friends and Standing Orders were resumed.
In response to concerns about security at the hospital, the Clerk will write to Inspector Perry asking for increased patrols in the area.
106. EASTCLIFF PARK
Cllr Whitlock, referring to the recent disappointment at Teignbridge failing to obtain lottery funding for Eastcliff Park, advised that he had been in touch with Graham Walker and Sian Avon (TDC) who had suggested a meeting with the Council to discuss the way forward. It is felt that breaking up the renovation work into smaller sections to restore the walled garden and pools would attract funding.
Cllr Whitlock proposed that the Council makes a formal declaration of interest in supporting the renovation of the park to the District Council and invites Graham Walker and Sian Avon, the Park Ranger to come to the Council to discuss ways to achieve this renovation. The motion was seconded by Cllr Battershill and agreed. (Cllrs Cox and Weekes declared an interest and did not vote).
107. GRANT FOR TEIGNMOUTH MUSEUM
The Chairman proposed that the Annual Grant of £2,500 for the Teignmouth Museum & Historical Society (to be known as Teign Heritage from 30th October) be agreed. Seconded Cllr Russell and agreed by majority vote.
(Cllrs. Strudwick, Cox and Weekes did not vote and declared an interest, being members of the Museum).
108. TEIGNMOUTH FLOOD DEFENCE SCHEME
The Chairman confirmed receipt of a letter from the Environment Agency.
Cllr Dawe advised that Graham Walker had stressed that although Teignmouth is back on the Forward Planning List the Environment Agency and Teignbridge still require the Town Council’s united support for the Flood Defence Scheme. The timescale is 4-5 years and a meeting between the Town Council, the District and the Environment Agency is scheduled for January. The consultation for the design process will be in 2008 when a new Council is in situ.
109. CCTV WORKING PARTY
The report of the CCTV Working Party Meeting held on 28th September 2006 were circulated and noted.
Full details were given of the position of cameras to be installed in the first of the three phases. The specification has been sent out by our architect for estimates from local suppliers. Devon County Council has agreed that the cameras be mounted on and powered from the new lighting columns along the Northumberland Place enhancement area and all the ducting for cabling is being provided.
Cllr. Russell proposed that in view of the fast moving programme of works and the importance of coordinating with the Northumberland Place enhancement scheme that the project be approved under delegated powers on receipt of the estimates and financed inside allocated budget headings. The Chairman will report back on progress to the Council at a future meeting. Seconded by Cllr. Tooley and agreed unanimously.
110. LICENCE APPLICATIONS
The Clerk reported the receipt of a Premises Licence for the Riviera Cinema site. The Chairman proposed approval, seconded by Cllr. Russell and agreed.
(Cllr. Weekes declared an interest and did not vote).
111. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
The accounts for payment were circulated (as at Appendix ‘A’). It was proposed, seconded and agreed by majority vote that Accounts in the sum of £4,275.33p and Prepayments in the sum of £1787.46p as per list, are agreed.
Cllrs. Whitlock, Phillips and Dawe voted against.
112. MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tuesday, 3rd October 2006
The Deputy Mayor hosted the Teignmouth in Bloom Reception at Bitton House.
Thursday, 5th October 2006
The Mayor attended the 80th Anniversary Celebrations of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section.
Saturday, 6th October 2006
The Mayor and Mayoress attended a introductory evening at Bitton House of “Teignmouth Helping Hands” a new patient support group initiated by Channel View and Richmond House Surgeries.
Sunday, 22nd October 2006
An invitation to attend the Sea Cadets Trafalgar Day Parade. A reception will be held at Bitton House afterwards for the visiting guests.
The Deputy Mayor will represent the Council at the Dawlish Civic Service.
The meeting closed at 8.20 p.m.
………………………………………………
COUNCILLOR F. TOOLEY
CHAIRMAN
Bitton House
Teignmouth
Dated 17th October 2006 | 
