EIGHT Councillors were joined by Cllr Peter Hare-Scott (Mid Devon District Council) and Cllr Margaret Squires (Devon County Council) and four members of the public for the meeting of Newton St Cyres Parish Council on Thursday, September 5. Apologies were received from Cllr Graeme Barnell.

Planning. The council registered “No Comment” to the following planning applications: Erection of a single storey extension at Orchard View, Meadowlands; Erection of extension to brewery to provide additional bar/restaurant floor space, outdoor dining area and erection of 11 lodges at Hanlons; Erection of agricultural building for free range egg production and temporary agricultural worker’s dwelling west of Shute Cross.

Planning decisions. Application to fell one Beech Tree at Garden House – refused; Creation of new vehicle access at 2 Brook View – granted; Change of use from restaurant/café to children’s nursery at Home Farm – granted.

MDDC Matters. The council agreed to take no action following the letter from Crediton Town Council concerning the sale of Crediton Council Offices to a private buyer.

The Tree Protection Officer has visited the site of the old school and some of the trees may warrant a Tree Protection Order.

Results from the Pollution Monitor sited in the village had shown levels just below the level where action may need to be taken. The council will watch future readings as they appear.

It was noted that the Recreation Ground and the Parish Hall had been registered as Community Assets.

Proposed School Footpath. It was agreed to put this item on hold and discuss it again at the October meeting and in the meantime cease incurring any further legal costs. In the meantime a request would be made to DCC for a 20mph speed restriction to be imposed outside the new school when the school is in session.

Defibrillator in village. It was reported that this had been tampered with but was now back in working order and the council will fund any upgrades required. Cllr S Parker agreed to sort out the book swap shelves as the telephone box was getting overcrowded.

Reports from Councillors. It was reported that Newton St Cyres Railway Station had been placed third in the Tarka Line Stations competition.

It was agreed to accept a tender for cleaning up the vacant allotments.

The Recreation Ground was endeavouring to find a way to be able to hold the Fireworks evening this year as the insurance requirements had been strengthened.

It was agreed that the new area of land for the extension to the Churchyard should be cut once more this year.

Highways matters. Cllr Squires took note of the list of outstanding matters relating to highways in the parish including the cleaning of the blocks opposite the entrance to Langford Road, the excessive amount of signs appearing on the A377 verges, the necessity for a dropped kerb outside the new school, loose manholes on the bridge in Station Road. The council did not raise any objections to the proposed yellow lines in Station Road and West Town.

General matters. The council’s Risk Assessments were being updated and those completed so far were approved.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held in the Clubroom of the Parish Hall on Thursday, October 4, at 7.30pm. Everyone is invited to attend and air their views and ask question.

The next Parish Surgery will be held in conjunction with the Coffee Morning on Saturday, October 6. Please come along to this social event and meet the councillor on duty with any queries you may have.

Cllr Jill Baker

Press Officer.