AT the May meeting of Sandford Parish Council, Councillor Lizzie Dalton was re-elected as chairman and Mike Snow as vice-chairman.

A vote of thanks was proposed to Jake Weedon for his time as vice-chairman.

The planning application, 17/00348/MOUT Land at NGR 284185 101165 (Creedy Bridge) Sandford, was discussed.?It was agreed that the Parish Council’s objections relating to this application, submitted to Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) in April 2017, would stand whilst it was noted that the proposed number of homes has now been decreased to 257.

Discussion to the latest application included:

• The proposed school, its location, and Funding. ?• The proposals to relocate Crediton Rugby Club. ?• The loss of trees and the future of Pedlarspool Lane.?• The need for the development to be “well-connected to the town”.?• Access to the site by the Emergency Services. ?• Affordable Homes - Mid Devon District Councillor Judi Binks suggested that Sandford Parish Council carry out a Housing Needs Survey. ?• Allocation of S106 Funds.?• The proposal to set up a Management Committee for the development.?• Play Area (This would not be Adopted by MDDC).?• Infrastructure.?Crediton Town Councillor Liz-Brookes Hocking advised that the Town Council is to hold a meeting with Ian Sorensen (Devon Highways) on May 17 and Sandford Parish Council was invited to attend that meeting.

She also stated that the Town Council was keen to meet with Sandford Parish Council to discuss various aspects of the application.

The chairman felt that Sandford Parish Council had already considered the proposals to develop this site and the council’s comments had been submitted to MDDC.

CREEDY VIEW?The chairman reported on the latest paperwork on the transfer of “Creedy View” car park from the Gorwyn Trust who were NOT agreeable to meet further with the Parish Council. Concern was expressed over the number of conditions being applied to what had been described as “a gift”.?It was agreed to discuss planning issues regarding the Car Park with Simon Trafford at MDDC Planning before proceeding further.

POTHOLES?The Parish Comment Book contained an entry regarding potholes in “Gays Lane” which were still awaiting attention.

County Councillor Mrs Margaret Squires has advised “Most of Gays Lane has been resurfaced – we are still waiting for the rest to be patched”.

The painting of the outstanding yellow lines in Sandford Square was still awaited. ?Mid month the clerk had received reports of a shed being erected and other building works being carried out in the Sandford Conservation Area, at the top of Rose and Crown Hill, and this had been reported to MDDC.

There were also reports that the shed was causing visibility problems to drivers on Rose and Crown Hill and the Square. ?The Community Policeman had agreed to monitor the issue of Scooters and Skate Boarding being used on the Highway and the ongoing safety issues. ?It was agreed that the Parish Council would adopt the New Buildings call box. Cllr Nick Unstead was pursuing the possibility of a defibrillator being installed. ?Cllr Mike Snow advised that Sandford Parish Hall were one of the charities adopted by Tesco’s for their tokens during the month of May and encouraged parishioners to support the Parish Hall. ?Parishioners are reminded of the annual contest to find the Best Kept Garden, Tubs, Baskets, and other containers for judging later in the summer.?The date of the next meeting was agreed as June 7, at 7.30pm, at Sandford Community Sports Pavilion.

MJV