THE June meeting of Sandford Parish Council was chaired by Mike Snow, vice-chairman, and 16 members of the public attended for the Open Forum.

Two Sandford parishioners spoke about planning matters in the Sandford Conservation Area.

The other 14 attendees (Crediton residents) attended to speak on the Planning Application 18/00786/MFUL Land at NGR 282727 100936 Higher Road Crediton, Outline for the erection of up to 65 dwellings, public open space, ancillary works and associated infrastructure, including access.

Concerns were raised regarding: The advertising of the planning application, the short window for responses, traffic, displacement of rainfall and effect on the rivers Creedy and Yeo, surface water, drainage, traffic and increased volume on Higher Road, traffic impact on Alexandra Road, potential loss of a Green Field site, infrastructure and concern about the impact on the skyline.

The vice-chairman reported that the Agent for the Applicants (Neal Jillings for Place Lane LLP) had intended to attend the Parish Council meeting that evening but was indisposed.

He also advised that this matter had been discussed at Crediton Town Council the previous week, when the Agent had given a presentation. It was reported that the Town Council was in the process of arranging a site meeting to which Sandford Parish Council would be invited (date to be confirmed). Those present were NOT aware that this meeting had taken place.

It was noted that there was only one comment to-date on the Mid Devon District Council Planning website to this application and those present were encouraged to lodge their comments.

Later in the meeting, when discussing planning issues, it was decided:

1 To ask MDDC (Planning) to extend the time to respond (currently June 21) for one month.

2 Sandford Parish Council to be represented at the site meeting to be called by Crediton Town Council. Also to ask if a representative of the Crediton delegation, who had attended the meeting, be invited to attend.

3 Call a Public Meeting and invite the MDDC Planning Officer (Joanne Halton) dealing with this application and Ian Sorensen (Devon County Council). The Public Meeting has been set for 7pm on Monday, July 9 at Sandford Parish Hall.

It was noted that the Yellow Lines had been completed in and around Sandford Square. Following a request from DCC Highways department as to whether the necessary signage was being displayed the council had advised that “No Waiting At Any Time (double yellow lines) do not require a sign to be enforced and there is no time period for the restriction, they are enforceable 24/7. The time restricted sign relates to the limited waiting bay only”.

Sovereign Play had sent the promised play area estimates which were in the process of being circulated in advance of a Play Area sub committee meeting being convened.

The clerk reported that an invitation had been received from Rev Paul Fillery for parish councillors to attend the Consecration of the Extension to St Swithun’s Churchyard, by The Bishop of Exeter, after the 10.30am Service on Sunday, July 15.

During the meeting the legal papers were signed to transfer the Creedy View car park from The Gorwyn Trust to the Parish Council.

Cllr Michael Lee advised the Parish Council than Jonathan Webber of “Tuckers of Crediton” had agreed to Judge the 2018 Contest to find the Sandford Village Best Garden and Best tubs, hanging baskets and other containers.

Jake Weedon had tendered his resignation from the Parish Council. The clerk was asked to write to Mr Weedon thanking him for his service on the Parish Council and above all his assistance with the Sports Pavilion Project.

The date of the next Meeting is July 5, at 7.30pm at Sandford Community Sports Pavilion.

MJV