RIVER YEALM & DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.
MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE RYDA.
1. APOLOGIES.
Christopher Bradley and Kate Wood were unable to attend.
2. THE MINUTES OF A COMMITTEE MEETING of the 11th January 2008 were approved.
3. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:-
· The Village Directory. The Secretary reported that a simple Addendum to the “Blue Book”, listing all amendments since publication, was now updated every month and was inserted into all Village Directories available for sale. All RYDA members would receive the latest update at future AGMs.
Thus far, from an original print run of 800 (costing the RYDA £565), with each RYDA member receiving a complimentary copy, we had sold a further 144 copies through the various village outlets bringing in £720. After a short debate it was decided that, with over 250 copies remaining in stock, the Directory would almost certainly last the 3 – 4 years calculated before the next major revision in 2012. There would be no change to the current arrangements.
· Liaison with the NNPC. Over the past few years liaison between the NNPC, the Revelstoke Trust and the RYDA had worked well; a good example being the provision of the 5 new benches at Noss Green, funded by the RYDA with help from both the Revelstoke Trust and the SHDC and supported by the NNPC. All three organisations were dedicated to making improvements around the community and had access to funds. Clearly, there was scope for further cooperation in future.
· In discussion; it was agreed that, since both the RYDA and the NNPC had new Chairmen, it might be useful to have an informal meeting between a small representative Group from each of these three organisations. It would also be helpful if our District Councillor, Suzie Cooper, could join the discussions. The Secretary was asked to draft a letter of invitation, which should include a possible Agenda. This might include:
* The provision of further benches for Newton Ferrers.
* The possibility of providing a Bicycle Shelter for those catching the School Bus in Newton Ferrers.
* The possible gift of “Quiet Lane Notices” for some narrow lanes.
· Liaison with Local Associations in Brixton and Wembury. It was agreed that an approach should be made to the Chairmen of each Association with the aim of combining in some way on matters of mutual interest. The Harbour Clean Up was clearly an area where cooperation could be advantageous but there were other possibilities: planning applications and the possible Cycle track being mooted by SUSTRANS along the Yealm. The Secretary was asked to draft a suitable letter, after discussion with Christopher Bradley. It was suggested that these people might be invited to attend one of our committee meetings towards the end of the year. This item would appear on the Agenda for our next meeting.
· A possible Village Design Statement (VDS). John Prosser had written to the Chairman proposing that consideration should be given to producing a new VDS. The Secretary reminded the meeting that this process had been completed in 2003/2004, resulting in the current Parish Plan. This can be read on the NNPC Website where (at page 11) can be seen the VDS developed at that time.
This document had been forwarded to the SHDC but had failed to have any practical effect when it came to Planning Decisions. It had also produced some undesirable side effects insofar as the RYDA was concerned, since this Association had been given the responsibility for conducting a survey which many thought was none of our business! It was decided that the Secretary would draft a letter to John Prosser inviting further discussion
· The Boundary Committee. The findings of this committee were expected at 12 noon on the 7th July.
· The Regional Spatial Strategy . The findings of the Inspector were expected on 22nd July.
· The Harbour Clean-Up. The Secretary had written to the NNPC and the RYHA asking for a contribution towards the costs of this operation. The NNPC had contributed £55.00 and it was expected that the RYHA would follow suit after their next meeting.
CB, who was not able to attend this meeting, had made it plain that he wanted to relinquish overall responsibility for this event. In his absence it was decided to bring this subject up at the next meeting.
* Noss Village Hall - Revelstoke pictures. The secretary explained that a set of photographs of the old Revelstoke Estate were held in storage by the Village Hall committee. It was decided that it might be sensible to see if some way could be found to re-hang them in the village hall. The Secretary was asked to obtain an inventory and some photographs of these pictures so that a decision could be taken at the next meeting.
· AL stated that there was £308 in the Association’s current account and £650 on deposit. There was also an addition to funds of £417 for the Brookings Down Wood being the recovery of “Gift Aid”.
6. PLANNING REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT
· There was some discussion concerning three current planning applications: Crispins & the Green House, River Haven and Vine Cottage. In general it was felt that the RYDA should support where necessary the specific complaints raised by the membership.
· The Secretary reminded the meeting that the RYDA was supporting the Leonards in their fight to have alterations made to “Tidal Waters”. Inspectors from the SHDC had now made a special visit and a decision was awaited before this case was put to the Ombudsman.
* A covered Bicycle Shelter for Newton Ferrers. It had been noticed that many children were forced to leave their bicycles in haphazard fashion by the school bus stop in the morning. It was thought that a covered Bike shelter would provide added security and convenience. It was decided to investigate the likely costs and to sound out the NNPC for their opinion.
* Benches for Newton Ferrers. It was known that there was a requirement for some more of these and, in the wake of the Noss Green contribution, the RYDA might wish to combine with the NNPC, and perhaps the Revelstoke Trust, for further seating in Newton Ferrers. This discussion could form part of the postulated joint group meeting mentioned in the Chairman’s Report above.
* Quiet Lanes – signs. The Secretary had written to the NNPC suggesting that such signs, which were effective elsewhere in the UK, might contribute to safer driving in some of the narrower lanes such a Middlecombe and Passage Road. Were the NNPC to decide in favour of such signs, then the RYDA might wish to acquire and set them up for the wider benefit of the community.
It was decided that the next meeting would be at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 2nd September. Alan Lomax had very kindly offered to host this meeting.
Bill Taylor. Chairman. 25th June 2008.