THE final remote meeting of Sandford Parish Council, by Zoom, took place on April 1.
During the Open Forum, a parishioner spoke on the planning application for five homes at Frogmire.
They did not have any objections to the redevelopment of existing redundant farm buildings as houses and felt the proposal would be a better option than re-use of the existing buildings for residential use.
However, there were a number of details on the scheme, as presented, that caused concern and these comments had been submitted to Mid Devon District Council, the planning authority.
As part of Sandford Pulls Together, it was agreed to proceed with the suggestion of a Parish Celebration Walk on Saturday, June 26.
It was agreed to have two walks, an easy one and a more challenging one, ending up at a central point for a cream tea.
Tickets to be sold in advance and any profits to be split between the Sandford Play Area and Devon Air Ambulance Trust.
The next day Sunday, June 27, a touring production of the "The Merry Wives of Windsor" would take place at the Millennium Green.
The 2020 Scrapbook is progressing well and will extend to two volumes.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
A parishioner had asked why locations on planning applications some times showed Crediton instead of Sandford.
The Clerk had taken this up with Mid Devon District Council, which advised this was based on the Gazetteer that was in use.
It was agreed to take advice from Michelle Woodgates (Senior Highway Development Management Officer for Mid Devon) over road safety issues concerning the Crediton Garden Centre and also the Frogmire planning applications.
DOG BIN
A dog bin request for the two footpaths around West Henstill Farm had been made.
As there were currently no dog bins this meant that walkers were depositing “dog poo” into privately owned wheelie bins.
This matter had been referred to Steve McCulloch, Sandford Footpath Warden, who suggested that the request be sent on to MDDC and this was agreed.
Steve McCulloch (Chairman) advised that the Sandford Tennis Court surface was in the process of being re-painted.
PLAYING FIELD
As the proposal by Sandford AFC to erect a net fence behind the far goal posts had received so many objections, it was agreed to arrange a joint meeting with the football club and residents living in the Meadowside area to discuss this matter.
BROADBAND ISSUES
An update had been received on the issue of poor Broadband in the Coppice Lane area and why this had not been included in the recent installation of fibre Broadband in that part of the Parish.
This issue had been raised on the local ITV Westcountry News when residents from this area had spoken.
It had been established that the reason for the Coppice Lane area not having been included in the recent installation of fibre Broadband in this area was due to it being found that the reception had not been found to be low enough and residents are still pursuing this matter.
County Cllr Mrs Margaret Squires had spoken to Matt Barrow at Devon County Council who was happy to arrange a remote presentation on the matter of Rural Broadband.
FAREWELLS
The Clerk had sent farewell cards to Paul and Tracey Fillery, and Lester and Pat Yeo, thanking them all for their contribution to parish life and wishing them well for the future.
The date of the next meeting was agreed as Thursday, May 13 at 7.30pm at Sandford Community Sports Pavilion.
13 DWELLINGS
Since the April meeting, planning application 21/00276/MFUL Fanny’s Lane Sandford – for the erection of 13 dwellings to include associated landscaping, public open space and infrastructure has arrived.
The deadline for comments to MDDC, the planning authority, has been requested by April 22.
In view of the size of the development, and the potential impact on the village, the Parish Council has requested that this deadline be extended to mid-May.
This will allow time, hopefully for a Public Exhibition to be arranged followed by a Public Meeting to be attended by both the Developer and a Planning Officer from MDDC to take questions.
MJV