Whitecleeves Quarry Determination 25th April 2012 DCC DM Committee

Members of the Devon County Council Development Management Committee voted yesterday against the recommendation to approve the resolution:

Devon County Council News Centre reference:

http://www.devonnewscentre.info/environment/whitecleaves-quarry-application-rejected-by-devons-development-management-committee/

4. County Matter: Waste Disposal


Teignbridge District: Proposed Construction and Operation of Materials Recovery Facility for Inert Construction and Demolition Wastes; Construction and Operation of Incinerator Bottom Ash Processing Facility; Removal of Dolerite Outcrop and Filling Quarry with Dolerite and Inert Material to a Depth of 60m AOD to Facilitate Storage of Recycled Materials with Associated Site Engineering and Infrastructure, Whitecleaves Quarry, Buckfastleigh

Applicant: MVV Environment (Devonport) Ltd

Application No: DCC/3242/2011 (11/02685/DCC)

Date Application received: 8 August 2011

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment


Recommendation: It is recommended that:


(a) the Committee notes and endorses the outcome of the Habitats Regulations Assessment; attached as Appendix (IV) to this Report;

(b) subject to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government confirming that he does not intend to call in the application, and subject to the conclusion of an agreement under s.106 of the Town and Country Planning Act requiring the Applicant to undertake certain contributions and operations, and to the Applicant and landowner not contesting an appropriate Order to remove the future possibility of long term mineral working, the Heads of Agreement as set out in Appendix (V) to this Report, the Committee resolves to grant conditional planning permission subject to the conditions attached in Appendix (III) to this Report; and,

(c) the Applicant be required to establish a Local Liaison Group in accordance with the standard Devon County Council Terms of Reference.

Whitecleaves Quarry Buckfastleigh

The Whitecleeves Quarry Buckfastleigh planning application is being considered by Devon County Council Development Management Committee on Wednesday 25th April 2012 2pm at County Hall.

The Valiant Soldier - The pub where time was never called - Buckfastleigh

I spoke in the last Blog about community engagement and empowerment in political terms with a small p. Involvement in the planning and infrastructure spheres of our lives.

Another example of community engagement and volunteers quietly working away for their community, I offer:

The Valiant Soldier Buckfastleigh.

Regular readers will remember that I and my Ward colleague Charlie Dennis contributed £250 each from our Councillor Community Funds to assist with a replica door for this heritage asset.

The Valiant Soldier was a village inn for more than two centuries. It closed in the 1960s, and time literally stood still. Furniture, pub artefacts and domestic items were simply left where they were as the last customer walked out. Thanks to volunteers this asset has been restored and is run for the benefit of visitors and the community of Buckfastleigh. They also have a display and museum section dedicated to the history of Buckfastleigh, and as regular readers will know from these Blogs, Buckfastleigh is very much alive in the 21st century. If you are visiting Dartmoor or a local out and about give them a visit.

The photo below is courtesy of the BuckfastleighTrust who can be contacted on 01364 644522, via email: enquiries@valiantsoldier.org.uk or on the website:

http://www.valiantsoldier.org.uk/

Special thanks to Sandra Coleman and her team of dedicated volunteers for several very illuminating visits.

Dawlish Brilliantly British - First Neighbourhood Plan Examination in the Country

The Dawlish Community Neighbourhood Plan is due for Examination on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th April at the United Reform Community Hall Dawlish.

This is the first of the Neighbourhood Plan Front-runner Scheme Informal Examinations in the Country. I must pay tribute to all parties involved, as well as individuals who have contributed to getting the Plan to this stage.

And, not only do we have Dawlish, we also have Ashton one of the smallest communities in Teignbridge, who have also secured funding under the Front-runner scheme to carry out a Community Neighbourhood Plan exercise.

Teignbridge District Council Forward planning Team and the Planning Team must be congratulated for their expertise in helping to facilitate these commentates aspirations.


Cllr Rosalind Prowse, Chair of the Dawlish Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group said:


"This has been an exciting and worthwhile process for the town, giving local people much more say in what they want from their town over the next 20 years.  Although Neighbourhood Plans aren't binding, they are very carefully considered by planners and Inspectors when councils make formal plans for districts.  The ideas in the Dawlish Neighbourhood Plan are very closely reflected by Teignbridge's emerging official plan, although we have listened to local views and are making the case for a couple of alternatives which we think are better suited for Dawlish.  This shows that the Steering Group are acting on local views and demonstrates real democracy in action.

"Never before have so many different individuals and groups had such a big say in the planning process for Dawlish, and it really has brought power to the people.  Our hope now is that the Inspector will agree with the plan, giving it more weight and putting us in a good position to take it to a non-binding public referendum.

"The Steering Group is passionate about Dawlish and we want a plan which delivers what's best for the town - decent homes which people can afford, plenty of community facilities, more offerings for tourists and a real boost for businesses."

Cllr Philip Vogel, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Housing and Planning added:

"We've been delighted to support Dawlish throughout this groundbreaking process, putting more power in local hands.  We'll be listening very closely to the views of the Steering Group, the inspector, local people and our professional planners as we keep working on our final draft Core Strategy.

"We have been very pleased to involve local communities across Teignbridge in new ways of planning, from the Rural Masterplan recently adopted as their own by Chudleigh Town Council to the work with Bovey Tracey Town Council and community representatives on their own planning proposals.  Dawlish has been a front-runner for the new Neighbourhood Plan system, and now Ashton have the chance to draw up their own Neighbourhood Plan reflecting local wishes.  These local plans give all sides an opportunity to closely consider what local communities want from their area in the future, along with the evidence and backing to help make it a reality.  We'll continue to work throughout Teignbridge to provide professional support for local plans, and we look forward to working hand-in-hand with more local people to help build a bright future.

"I would urge communities to look out for any further Neighbourhood Planning Waves and apply."

Enjoy Dartmoor 2012 -2013

Interestingly the most hit pages on this Blog have something to do with War Horse - now there's a surprise.

Dartmoor National Park means different things to different people - obvious I suppose, but its the combination of living, working and recreation in close proximity that makes it different from say a country park or open space not in a National Park, because of the unique environmental and physical features of the landscape.

So as it happens the latest edition of Dartmoor National Park's http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/ (short video on the opening page about 'War Horse'), 'Enjoy Dartmoor 2012-2013' http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/visiting/vi-planningyourvisit/guide-to-the-national-park contains a lot on this topic and all aspects of life, work and recreation on the Moor.

For visitors and locals alike the booklet contains masses of things to do, places to go etc. etc. and details of Ranger Guided Walks, including 'War Horse Walks' - page 25.

You can also download MP3 walks from the web site, and I've done this, and even if you think you know an area, there is always seems to be something you never quite knew. There is also an iphone app. available.

The booklet also tells you about farming and the natural features of the Moor, and its not surprising that Dartmoor National Park like the other NPs are considered 'Britain's breathing spaces'.


Also out is a 'Coach Driver's Handbook' for the Dartmoor Area 2012 - details from Parke (01626 832093) or High Moorland Visitor Centre (01822 890414); and a leaflet entitled 'Paws on Dartmoor' http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/vi-caringfordartmoor/vi-walkingwithdog and at this time 1st March to 31st July 'When walking your dog on Dartmoor, please keep it on a short lead during the lambing and bird breeding season'.

Ranger Ralph's Club, open to those aged 5-12 has issued Newsletter 48, with Ranger Ralph's Family Fun Events for 2012.

And finally - the Haytor Hopper bus service 271 has returned for the season, and will run until the end of October 2012. The route goes from Newton Abbot (train station),  Bovey Tracey, Haytor,  Widdecombe-in-the Moor, Hound Tor (Swallerton Gate), Manaton, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot (train Station). Further details of times, costs and evening excursions go onto the web site or telephone 01822 890414.

Enjoy Moor.....

Buckfastleigh Neighbourhood report – March 2012

Over the past month there have been 39 incidents reported from Buckfastleigh.

 

We have had 10 crimes reported to us from the town which include 2 burglaries,  4 incidents of criminal damage and 4 assaults. 1 burglary offences are related to an attempt to break into a retail premise in the town whilst the other was in Buckfast where drinks were stolen from a store.   2 of the assaults were linked to an argument that occurred at a store within the town, whilst another related to a local care home.  The damage that was reported was to a vehicle and to 2 fences in the town.

 

Local enquiries, which have been ongoing in regards to a burglary that occurred in February, have finally identified the offender. With the victims support this was resolved by way of Restorative Justice, which involved the offender meeting the victim and apologising to him for his actions.  This is a process that we are using more and more often and is one that can have a positive impact on both the victim and the offender.  Often the offender may think that the crime they carry out has no impact but when meeting face to face this belief is quickly changed.  For the victim it is an opportunity to ask the offender why they carried out the crime.

 

1 crime was reported to us from the Dean Prior area which related to a theft of a pedal cycle.  4 incidents were reported to us of which 3 related to the A38..

From the West Buckfastleigh area we have had 2 crimes reported to us which related to an assault allegation and an allegation of a burglary.  There were 2 incidents reported to us, both of which related to the crimes

 

Holne remained crime free for another month.  There was, however, 1 incident which related to a road traffic collision.

 

Information has been received that there has been a spree of metal farm gates being stolen from across the area.  There has been a suggestion that a local resident may have come across the offenders in their vehicle,  in a lane at night, though at the time the resident may not have know what was going on.  If anyone has any information that can assist with this please can they contact us.

The Neighbourhood Team are based at the new Ashburton Police Station which is at Conway House, Eastern Road. We can still be contacted via the central switchboard no.101 or via e-mail – Teignbridge@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk.

Our next Police Surgery will be held at 7 pm on the 2^nd May at the Town Hall in Buckfastleigh.

 

Police Sergeant 5440 Ian Stevens,

Neighbourhood Constable PC 4939 Alison HOOPER,

Police Community Support Officer Jonathan BOX

Neighbourhood Special Constable Andy Roberts.

Housing Conference Outlines Challenges And Actions For Local Organisations

New actions to tackle local housing issues have been at the forefront of Teignbridge's first ever Housing Annual Conference & Strategy Event.

The event was run on Thursday 29 March at the Courtenay Centre in Newton Abbot, bringing together many different organisations to discuss the most important issues relating to housing in the district.  Organised and hosted by Teignbridge District Council, guests included Teign Housing, South West Landlords Association, the NHS, Citizens Advice Bureau, Devon and Cornwall Police and more.

Participants saw presentations from council housing officers and took part in workshops addressing some of the biggest challenges faced by Teignbridge residents and authorities in providing essential housing services.  These include:

Helping those living in areas of low income and job deprivation

Ensuring fair access to services, especially for customers in rural areas

Helping the district's high number of older residents who are vulnerable to cold, slips, trips and falls, and the increasing number of residents with dementia

Providing the right services for an ageing population.  Local housing market assessments predict the largest single group in the area in coming years will be single people aged 65 and above, and that the largest number of people moving to the area will residents aged between 45 and 65, many of whom are moving in to retire.

Cllr Philip Vogel, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Housing and Planning said:

"We were extremely pleased to welcome so many people to this event.  It provided a great opportunity to discuss big issues together and think about how we can work in partnership to make sure we provide the best possible services to local people.

"This council is prepared to back its Council Plan aspirations with a £1M revolving infrastructure fund, using New Homes Bonus money in the first instance to make things happen.  We want to work alongside partners who are resourceful, innovative, and present cutting edge solutions to help us achieve our aspirations and improve the quality of life for our residents here in Teignbridge.

"We have an ambitious Council Plan for 2011 - 2015, along with an emerging 20 year plan for jobs, homes, local facilities and the environment.  Now we're looking at how we can work together with other organisations to really deliver on our aims, and judging by the response at this conference I'm confident we'll do just that."

Through Teignbridge's Council Plan 2011 - 2015 and events like the Housing Conference, commitments have been made to continue efforts to:

promote projects to address deprivation, enable residents to access services more easily, ensure that residents get the benefits they are entitled to, and strive to improve housing in deprived areas;

provide more, better quality, affordable homes, and through partnership with others, offer a range of healthier lifestyle choices to keep residents well. To support older and disabled residents living in their own homes;

reduce the number of empty homes, following success over the past year with 383 brought back in to use;

encourage private landlords to accept rents which residents can afford;

work with local communities and partner organisations to help find suitable Gypsy and Traveller sites;

make sure as many new homes as possible are affordable for local people;

put in place long term plans to meet housing needs now and in the future;

find new ways to ensure local residents have priority access to new social and affordable housing;

look at specific proposals for housing types suitable for older residents;

look at the types of letting tenancies most appropriate for Teignbridge;

become a beacon district for custom-built homes - local homes, built by local people, for local people.

The plans are finding support from local housing providers and other organisations, many of whom attended the event to discuss how the challenges can be met.

Mike Hanrahan, Chief Executive of Teign Housing said:

"Like anywhere else Teignbridge has its challenges when it comes to providing housing services.  There's an ageing population, a wide rural area to serve, small pockets of economic deprivation and a clear shortage of affordable homes.

"It's good to see that there is the will and the plan to meet these challenges, and we're keen to continue working alongside the council to make things better.  We have a good partnership, most recently demonstrated by our joint commitment to solve the issue of the unauthorised traveller site at Haldon Ridge, and we are keen to keep developing this link.

"The more we can all work together, the stronger our relationships become.  This is really important because it helps us cut through red tape and bureaucracy, getting to the heart of the issues and taking real action."

Aside from setting out plans, attendees also heard about the recent achievements of Teignbridge Council's Housing Service.  Highlights include:

Successfully preventing homelessness for 696 households by helping 397 households access appropriate private sector accommodation and 272 households access social housing

Securing funding alongside Teign Housing to redevelop travellers site at Haldon Ridge

Reducing the number of empty homes in the district by 383

A new exception site policy which helps provide more rural affordable homes

Supporting 145 households adapting their accommodation to meet specific needs

Facilitating loans for improvement work on 27 properties

314 private sector properties improved through intervention by private sector housing team.

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16012