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Brixham Town Council

Minutes of the Meeting of the Planning and Regeneration Committee held in the Furzeham Room of Brixham Town Hall on 25

th April 2016 at 7:00pm.

Present:, Cllr P Addison, R Clarke, I Carr, S Clutterbuck, V Campbell, J Stockman, S Walker-Haworth and

D Giles,

Also present: L McGuirk, Assistant to the Town Clerk and two members of the public.

Cllr R Clarke made an apology to the members that she had made a misrepresentation on application

P/2016/0310 that there had in fact been an objection from a member of the public.

16054. Apologies.

None

16055. Declarations of Interest. Cllr J Stockman declared a non pecuniary interest in item 12 of the agenda application P/2016/0362

and abstained from voting.

Cllr I Carr declared a non pecuniary interest in item 12 of the agenda P/2016/0358 and P/2016/0359.

16056. To consider any requests for Dispensation on agenda items.

None.

16057. Minutes of the meeting held on 4th

April 2016.

The minutes of the meeting held on 04.04.2016 were resolved and signed as the correct record

16058. To discuss and consider 2016 priorities taken from the strategy document.

Members discussed the strategy document items marked as ‘ALL’ and agreed to update the document

with the agreed changes as attached in annex 2.

16059. To discuss empty commercial properties in Brixham.

Discussion took place on empty commercial properties and there appropriate use. It was agreed to

write to the Chamber of Commerce, Sue Dawes and Torbay Council to find out if they keep any

records of empty commercial properties in Brixham.

16060. To consider and discuss the revised Torbay Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) revised

Draft charging schedule.

Discussion took place regarding the CIL and the impact it will have on Brixham. Members suggested

the document was not easy to read and understand and agreed to make the following comments to

Torbay Council: The document

Lacks clarity on the definition of size of levy on small and large development.

Improved transparency of the zoned areas.

While it was agreed the document is an improvement, it was felt that it is not easy to read and

understand.

16061. To consider the reinstatement of the railway to Brixham.

Cllr Clutterbuck updated members on a recent meeting he had with the Mayor. Torbay Council

requires the support of Brixham Town Council to progress. Discussion took place regarding

sustainable transport options and it was agreed to make the following recommendation to Full

Council: In Principal Brixham Town Council supports looking at options of sustainable transport,

including a railway.

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16062. To consider the reasons for refusal of Planning Applications.

Noted AT/2016/0041 and AT/2016/0042 were noted.

16063. To note planning decisions made by Torbay Council or any appeals.

Noted P/2015/0775 has made an appeal. Decisions were noted (Report 06/2016 refers).

16064. Planning Applications to be considered by Torbay Development Management Committee.

None

16065. Planning Applications to be put to Torbay Council Planning Officers.

The planning applications contained in report 07/2016 were considered and it was resolved to respond

to the applications as contained in annex 1 to this report.

16066. To report on any Site Review Meetings.

None

16067. To consider any highways issues.

South Furzeham Road: members were updated that the letters inviting the Police and Highways to

attend a meeting on Monday 4th July have been sent.

Battery Gardens/ North Furzeham Road: the signage to restrict overnight parking of camper vans is

due to be advertised. Torbay Council is unable to give an indication of timescale.

Brixham Road Scheme: An update was given on the forthcoming schemes for Brixham Road. The

widening of Brixham Road/ Yalberton Road junction is due to start in autumn 2016. Also during

autumn/ winter 2016/17 works are due to commence to widen the section of Kings Ash Road between

Spruce Way and Churscombe Cross roundabout. Windy Corner is programmed for improvements in

the 2017/18 financial year. Subject to approval from the Secretary of the state.

Correspondence:

Members were informed of an email received from a member of the public regarding the

disruption caused when the main route out of Brixham is closed due to accident. The email

requests a rail link is paramount. It was agreed the clerk should respond to the email outlining

BTC support for sustainable transport, as discussed minute number 16061.

Department for Transport response was noted.

16068. To hear an update from BrixhamFuture.

Formation of the CIC is nearing completion.

Following the successful Big Belly Bins trial it was reported that Torbay council will be writing to BTC

about delivering an improved scheme to Brixham. It is hoped the item will be added to the May F&GP

agenda.

16069. To hear an update for the Neighbourhood plan

Cllr Stockman gave an update: the next meeting is on Tuesday 3rd

May 2016 at 7pm in the Function

Room. Liz Beth is due to visit the area soon to check legislation has been complied with.

16070. To consider any license applications.

The Golden Lion, New Road, Brixham: The application was considered and it was recommended to

make no comment.

16071. To put forward any items for the next Planning Committee Agenda.

To discuss empty commercial properties in Brixham.

BrixhamFuture updates

Neighbourhood Plan updates

Key priorities for 2016/17

Highways

Asset List

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The meeting closed at 9:05pm.

Chairperson ………………………………………….. Date ………………….

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Reference Applicant Site Address Proposal BTC Recommendation

AT/2016/0053 Mrs Janet Willshire Combe Bank Lindthorpe Way Berry Head With Furzeham

Brixham Torbay TQ5 8PB

T1 + T2: Holm Oak- Crown reduction by 10m Recommend approval

P/2016/0339 Mr Kieran Egan 39 Berry Head Road Brixham

TQ5 9AA

Removal of condition 01 of P/2013/0728/HA

(Demolition of existing garage and rebuilding new garage) Cond 01 - The property shall not be sub-

divided into separate units of residential or holiday

accommodation

Recommend refusal. Request a

Site Review meeting.

P/2016/0246 Mr Frederick Harrison

3 Roxburgh Victoria Road Brixham Devon TQ5 9AR

Change flat roof of bay window to pitched roof retrospective

Recommend approval

P/2016/0262 Mr & Mrs Dubis 27 Smardon Avenue Brixham

TQ5 8JN

New front porch Recommend approval

P/2016/0309 Mr Sarah Soper 16 Longcroft Avenue Brixham TQ5 0DS

Dormer to rear with terrace Recommend approval

P/2016/0362 Mr Paul Black 3 Hill Park Close Brixham TQ5

9EX

Front extension to the North elevation convert

integral garage. A single storey rear extension (South elevation) to replace the existing

conservatory

Recommend refusal on the

grounds of overdevelopment and adversely affecting the

street scene.

P/2016/0271 Mr Debbie Stark 182A Northfields Lane Brixham

TQ5 8RD

Replacement of pitched roof with a mono-pitch

single roof. A small porch extension to the front and a rear extension to the upper level. External

cladding

Recommend approval

P/2016/0286 Mr Andrew Mcleod Pilots Rest 47A Overgang Road

Brixham TQ5 8AR

Change of use from holiday let to residential use Recommend approval

P/2016/0334 Mr P Culley 52 North Boundary Road Brixham

TQ5 8LQ

Kitchen extension Recommend approval

P/2016/0358 Miss Amanda

Woods

R N L I Gift Shop 28 Middle

Street Brixham TQ5 8ER

Installation of Dutch blind Recommend approval

P/2016/0359 Miss Amanda

Woods

R N L I Gift Shop 28 Middle

Street Brixham TQ5 8ER

Replacement Fascia sign Recommend approval

P/2016/0389 Mr Jeffery Hughes 11 Great Rea Road Brixham TQ5

9SW

Single storey extensions to side and rear to include

garage and workshop, addition of porch to front and loft conversion with dormers to the rear (Re-

Submission of P/2016/0061)

Recommend approval

P/2016/0391 Mr Peter Chart 20 Great Rea Road Brixham TQ5 9SW

Rear single storey extension No comment.

P/2016/0412 Mr K Dinnacombe 5 Heath Park Brixham TQ5 9BJ Hip to gable roof extension to side and addition of

dormer window to rear of property

Recommend approval

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P/2016/0424 Mr & Mrs Lance

Shoudjae

10 Orchard Grove Brixham TQ5

9RH

Side and rear extensions Recommend approval

P/2016/0425 Mr & Mrs Joe Yusuf 5 Jacolind Walk Brixham TQ5 9SB

Extensions to property - extend existing balcony, first floor side extension and single storey rear

extension, alterations to existing fenestration

Recommend approval

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Annex 2

Annex 2

Brixham Town Council Strategy 2016-2019

Mission Statement

To provide a value for money service to the community of Brixham while ensuring that our voice is heard in Torbay and all avenues are explored to provide a better quality of life for all residents. Structure of the Council

Brixham Town Council is made up of twelve elected councillors: seven for Berry Head with Furzeham ward and five for St Mary's with Summercombe ward. The councillors are supported by a Town Clerk, Assistant to the Clerk and an Administrative Assistant: all reference to committees below include the relevant officers. The Council comprises four main committees:

Community Services (CS), Evaluation (E), Finance and General Purposes (F&GP) and Planning and Regeneration (P&R). Additionally the Town Hall sub-committee reports to the F&GP Committee. The Policy Working Group (PG) and the Strategy Group (SG) report to the Evaluation Committee. Brixham Future (BF) reports to the Planning and Regeneration committee. The Town Hall Innovation Working Group (THIWG) reports to the F&GP Committee. The Fairtrade Working Group (FWG) reports to Community Services. Shoalstone Pool Limited (SPL), a company set up by and wholly owned by the Town Council comprises a Board of Directors, including three town councillors who report to BTC. Relationship with Torbay Council Objectives

To work constructively with the Mayor, Brixham members of Torbay Council, and other Torbay Councillors and officers as required in the best

interests of our community

To ensure that Torbay Council meets its duties to Brixham residents

To establish formal means of representation to Torbay Council

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To monitor all Brixham related activity at Torbay Council so that Brixham residents do not pay twice for the services that they receive

Strategy for Delivery

Date

reviewed

Date

completed

Meeting with the Mayor and all Brixham Town Councillors and Brixham members of Torbay Council to discuss and agree a framework for constructive dialogue and action in Brixham as resolved at Full Council on 9th July 2015

All (P&R)Ongoing. Each committee to be given opportunity to pose a question to the Mayor.

When agreement has been reached regular meetings to be held with all Brixham representatives on Torbay Council where our town’s priorities will be discussed and agreed

All (P&R) Invite all 5 Torbay Ward Cllrs to regular meetings.

Maintaining our relationship with Torbay’s Highways Department in order to improve the road infrastructure in and around Brixham

P&R Ongoing

Maintaining and developing the relationship with Torbay’s Planning Department and Development Management Committee

P&R Ongoing

Inviting the Torbay Planning Officer to update BTC at least quarterly by attending either P&R committee meetings or full council

P&R Explore further ways of improving communication.

Considering the services that BTC provide to ensure that they should not be the responsibility of Torbay Council

All (P&R) Ongoing

To carefully consider asset transfer offers by Torbay Council to ensure they are in Brixham's best interests and to seek out asset transfers which might benefit our community

All (P&R) Ongoing

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Ensuring that if financial efficiencies are implemented by BTC, Torbay Council funds are redistributed appropriately within Brixham

All (P&R) Ongoing

Community Engagement

Objectives

To ensure that all Brixham Town Councillors and Officers are approachable and work for the benefit of Brixham residents at all times

To encourage the participation of all age groups in the discussions and decisions that shape our community

To ensure that Brixham residents are informed about BTC discussions, decisions and policies

To support all community groups and organisations, large or small, unifying community efforts in Brixham

To survey residents on issues of local importance and work to implement the priorities that they identify whenever possible

To encourage support of Fairtrade through the Fairtrade Working Group

Strategy for Delivery

Date

reviewed

Date

completed

Conducting a review of BTC’s current strategies and policies for engaging the community

SG PG

Introduce a full set of guidelines for future community engagement that will include all of the elements below

CS

Ensuring the accessibility of the Town Council offices to the public during reasonable hours in order to provide a service to Brixham residents

Officers

Ensuring that Brixham residents receive a prompt response when making contact with BTC via telephone, e-mail, in writing or at public meetings

E All

May / June & quarterly thereafter

Regularly updating the BTC website, with pages for BTC and community use, maintaining links with other Brixham groups and organisations, and by utilising other forms

CS Officers

Ongoing

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of social media

Producing a Press and Media policy that recognises the roles and responsibilities Councillors and Officers have when communicating with the public

PG

Providing BTC notice boards for the display of council notices and community posters

CS F&GP

Ongoing Review May

Reviewing the purpose and content of the Brixham Signal community newsletter to ensure it gives best value for money

CS Review July issue

Ensuring that all full council and committee meetings are open to the public

All (P&R) Ongoing

Holding regular councillors surgeries All (P&R) needs review.

Holding an annual public consultation about the budget and other consultation events with the help of Brixham Community Partnership as appropriate

All (P&R) Ongoing

Providing a banner facility in Fore Street to advertise local events

CS Ongoing

Recognising community achievement through the Annual Civic Award, presented to people within the parish who have shown extraordinary commitment, dedication, energy and effort in the service of the community

F&GP CS

October 2016

Recognising sporting achievement within the parish with an annual award

F&GP CS

October 2016

Relaunching Brixham Youth Council and supporting them in order to promote youth participation in the development of our community and ensure that their views are taken into account by the town council and other partner organisations

All (P&R) Ongoing

To work with the Chamber of Commerce and CS Ongoing

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other local organisations to encourage them to use, sell and promote Fairtrade products

BTC and the Business Community

Objectives

To support our core local business sectors, the Fishing and Tourist industries.

To grow Creative industries within our community

To be supportive of the interests of the independent business sector in our community

Strategy for Delivery

Date reviewed

Date completed

Assisting in providing joined up thinking in the planning and development of our community by helping the Chamber of Commerce, Brixham Future and the Neighbourhood Forum to work together on forward plans for the town

All (P&R) Ongoing

Considering options for managing the town centre more effectively

CS F&GP

Ongoing September 2016

Thinking creatively about how to make best use of empty commercial properties to support the local economy

P&R April 2016 agenda

Maintaining links with Brixham Chamber of Commerce in order to assist them and other partners in promoting the best atmosphere for business to thrive in the town

All (P&R) Ongoing

Facilities and the Environment

Objectives

To support leisure, sporting and cultural facilities within the parish

To protect and improve the local environment and infrastructure of Brixham

To celebrate Brixham’s history and culture and protect local heritage assets

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To support the Developing Community Flood Plan Strategy for Delivery

Date reviewed

Date completed

Maintaining and improving the Town Hall for community use

F&GP Monthly

Working to ensure the future of Brixham’s assets, such as Shoalstone Pool, Brixham Theatre, Brixham Library, Brixham Heritage Museum, Admiral Swimming Centre

P&R F&GP

CS

Rolling Review

Working with partners to provide a dedicated Tourist Information Centre in the town

P&R EC?

Ensuring adequate cemetery provision P&R CS?

Maintenance of current allotment garden provision, seeking additional sites and working towards the break-even point in the finance of all allotment gardens

F&GP Monthly

Providing seasonal displays and promoting events such as the Christmas lights, parade and market, local produce markets and autumn fayre and summer floral displays

CS Ongoing

Creating or helping to support town walking trails focusing on points of interest

CS Ongoing

Monitoring street furniture, signs, information boards and highways and the general appearance of the town and reporting problem areas to Torbay Council to ensure that appropriate action is taken

P&R CS

Ongoing Ongoing

Making representations to outside bodies such as Torbay Council and the utility companies on behalf of residents, in relation to town management matters

CS Ongoing

Actively support volunteer organisations such as Pride in Brixham, Brixham Does Care and Admiral Swimming Centre

CS Ongoing

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Creating a register of volunteers and focused groups to support and develop community projects

CS Signal survey July 2016. Link to 17/09/16 CP day

Setting up a funding advice group comprising of experienced fund raisers in the community who can advise other organisations where they might seek financial assistance when required

F&GP October 2016

Supporting appropriate organisations to conserve locally significant buildings, sites and objects

P&R Ongoing. Set up special meeting for design guide.

Taking a lead on protecting our natural environment in collaboration with local and national organisations and in accordance with our Environmental Policy

P&R CS

Ongoing Ongoing

Taking action to ensure a cleaner town environment by monitoring such things as dog fouling and graffiti

CS Ongoing BTC Lengthsman

Working with Torbay Council and other partners, including BF to deliver improvements in service that will tackle litter problems in the town

P&R F&GP

(PR) ongoing

Enabling organisations with support the most vulnerable in our community such as Brixham YES and the Brixham Food Bank

F&GP Monthly

Seeking improvements to infrastructure providing access to and from the town

P&R Ongoing

Working with the Environment Agency, Community Volunteers, South West Water and Torbay Council to develop local flood resilience

CS

completed

Making Grants to local community groups F&GP Monthly

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Supporting community events that promote Brixham

CS F&GP

Quarterly Ongoing

Setting up a Community Projects Fund for use in projects which are deemed to be priorities by the community

F&GP April 2016

The Future – Planning and Regeneration Objectives

To support developments and expansion in Brixham which protect and enhance the heritage and character of the town and its surrounding area

To lead the direction of regeneration, taking into account the views of our community as well as relevant development plans and agencies

To consider regeneration in economic, environmental and social terms to ensure that any changes are of benefit to local people

To encourage increased economic activity and employment in the town Strategy for Delivery

Date reviewed

Date completed

Presenting recommendations to Torbay Council on all Brixham planning, licensing and highways applications for a distance of up to 3 miles outside of the Parish Boundary

P&R Ongoing

Lobbying to ensure that new developments are compatible with the character of Brixham and to the general satisfaction of neighbouring residents

P&R Ongoing

Participating in consultation regarding all development and infrastructure issues

P&R Ongoing

Relaunching Brixham Future, the council’s regeneration group, as a Community Interest Company that will develop and identify funding for projects which they bring forward to BTC for consideration and action and to manage some of those projects themselves

P&R June 2016

By influencing, advising upon and supporting the momentum of Brixham Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan until it has been

All (P&R) Ongoing

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completed, received validation from Torbay Council and has subsequently been approved or otherwise by the community in a referendum

Developing a Brixham Town Design Statement and continuing to drive forward the conservation area appraisal (Brixham Town and Harbour) alongside other relevant planning documents

P&R Ongoing

Ensuring sympathetic regeneration that ensures that the character of the town is not lost

P&R Ongoing

Aiming to minimise the collateral damage caused to the economy by any regeneration work or new developments

P&R Ongoing

Working with partners towards providing additional public facilities as identified in consultation with residents

P&R Autumn 2016

Identifying empty homes in Brixham with a view to maximising the utilisation of such properties

P&R Autumn 2016

Supporting forms of development in the town that increase employment provision while not conflicting with the principle of retaining the essential character of Brixham

P&R Autumn 2016

Utilising the General Power of Competence that exists under the Localism Act 2011 to develop new services and partnerships that will be of benefit to the community

P&R F&GP

Ongoing

Financial and Risk Management

Objectives

To ensure that financial provision is made to enable the objectives of BTC to be achieved

To produce an emergency protocol for Brixham

To consider the running of BTC within the Town Hall complex, and other council assets

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Strategy for Delivery

Date reviewed

Date completed

Daily records being kept of all income and expenditure so that accurate and timely accounts are provided

F&GP

Monthly

Maintenance of asset registers and monitoring projected and actual budgets for the overall precept and specific cost centres such as the Town Hall

F&GP March 2016 Monthly

Ensuring that a suitable reserve is held and deposited in a high interest account in accordance with the BTC reserve policy

F&GP Monthly

Maximising income from the town centre such as through fees paid for commercial use of Fore Street

F&GP September 2016

Being proactive in seeking out all appropriate funding streams for community projects

All Ongoing (P&R) ongoing

Seeking positive income streams from any real estate assets

F&GP Monthly

By consulting with the residents of Brixham in order to identify the projects and infrastructure that form their priorities for spending and then identify appropriate funding streams specifically targeted towards those priorities

F&GP October 2016 (Yearly from 17/18)

April 2016 (16/17)

Putting together procedures and plans to be followed in the case of an emergency, in conjunction with Torbay Council

P&R EC

Negotiating contracts and investigating purchases to obtain the best value for the precept payer of Brixham

F&GP Ongoing

Organisation of Brixham Town Council

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Objective • To provide an efficient and effective Town Council • To build a reputation as an employer which attracts, develops, motivates and retains staff. Strategy for Delivery

Date

reviewed

Date

completed

To develop and monitor a work plan for all staff which reflects the strategy for 2016-2019

E Ongoing

By monitoring the services provided by Brixham Town Council to ensure that they meet the needs of the people of Brixham

E Ongoing

Reviewing BTC policies and services regularly

E Ongoing

Ensuring that annual staff appraisals of the council officers are conducted and that staff have the correct skills to undertake their job roles

E Annually in March/April

Providing all staff with the opportunity for high quality continuing professional development

E Reviewed Feb’16

Providing all councillors with the opportunity to take part in appropriate training

E F&GP

Ongoing

Ensuring that councillors always act in accordance with the BTC Code of Conduct and all council policies and procedures

All

(P&R) ongoing

Developing and monitoring an external complaints procedure that is responsive within defined target periods

E

Working towards gaining Quality Award status in the Local Council Award Scheme

All Ongoing