5.2       Brown Bridge Road

There are no current issues with regards to rights of way but members were encouraged to raise any concerns with James Nicholas if problems arise.

5.4         Astra Zeneca

Dominic Acland will be asking Legal for their comments. Leah Raybould (LR) informed the Forum that the lease would be a 10 year lease and not a 107 year lease as stated in the 20 September 2011 published minutes.

13.2      Village Green Status Applications

LR updated the Forum that Anne-Marie Bond would now be dealing with all Village Green Status applications.

James Nicholas (JN) explained that there is a need to develop the wish list for issues in connection with the ROWIP, which is available on the website at http://www.torbay.gov.uk/index/yourbay/parks/prow/rowimprovementplan.htm. He advised the Forum that requests for funding should be on the wish list to help prioritise funding although there was currently a freeze on all spending.

Action:

JN to consult the Community Partnerships on the ROWIP Wish List.

Members to raise any concerns with the Co-ordinators.

JN to arrange for updated ROWIP map to be circulated to TLAF members at the next meeting.

Dominic Acland (DA) advised the Forum that the TLAF could not become the Torbay Environment and Access Forum as it is a statutory body, but that Sue Cheriton supported the idea of the new forum but could not offer secretarial support due to lack of resources. He explained that he has been unable to arrange a follow up meeting due to work pressures.

Margaret Forbes-Hamilton (MFH) feels that the Torbay Greenspace Forum needs to be refocused and made more relevant and suggested that it be merged with the new Forum and it's secretarial services used. Councillor Ian Doggett (ID) suggested that it would be useful if the TLAF could feed into the Local Transport Plan 3.

Action:

DA to organise a meeting with Sue Cheriton and other relevant representatives of the different groups to decide how environmental and green issues could best be co-ordinated in Torbay.

Torquay Co-ordinator: Margaret Forbes-Hamilton reported on:

Scott’s Meadow: Planning permission for the site had been refused and there is no current access to the site but the wildlife is increasing.

Land near Edginswell (Tesco): There is currently no access available.

Torre Station Yard: Planning permission has been applied for houses. The fences which Daintons had erected, blocking access to the public footpath will hopefully be removed and a cycle link will be installed.

Innabrook Road: The Forum noted that Innabrook Road is likely to go to Secretary of State if objections are raised to the registering of a Public Right of Way.

Paignton Co-ordinator: Wanda Hollingworth reported on:

Geopark Play Area: The project is going well

Brixham Co-ordinator: Mick Lear reported on:

The cycle path at Hollicombe Park is to be opened up at the Torquay end. Dominic Acland advised that the Woodland Grant had been received.

Action:

James Nicholas to check the access at Edginswell and report back at the next meeting.

MFH to email dates of Neighbourhood Plan meetings to the secretary for her to circulate to members of the TLAF.

The Forum was informed that the Council has written to the land owner of the Brixham Village Green as there is vegetation encroaching on the public footpath. This may be an on-going problem, however the TLAF has no legal powers regarding this issue.

Bob Harvey (BH) advised the Forum that he attended the Regional Meeting in November where online network ‘Huddle’ was discussed. BH noted that Huddle is a good basic idea although it may have its draw backs. A lengthy discussion was held on this subject and Dominic Acland (DA) agreed that he would like further clarity on other members viewing Huddle and how the system operates.

It was noted that only one member of the Forum could have access to the site and DA nominated BH.

Action:

Valerie Simpson to notify ‘Huddle’ of TLAF representative.

Bob Harvey reported back from the Forestry Commission meeting held at Taunton Rugby Club. He presented a graph to the Forum detailing the trees affected by disease.

Margaret Forbes-Hamilton raised concerns with a small area of amenity land to the eastern edge ‘Old Maid’s Perch’ Gardens, Torbay Road as the land currently has planning permission.

Action:

Valerie Simpson to email Garth Millard to enquire when the land is taken over if the public have access after the planning application is passed. The TLAF supported the remaining seven disposals of land applications.

All members noted the future meeting dates:

All Thursdays from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.:

16 February 2012 in the Cecil Room, Oldway Mansion, Paignton;

24 May 2012 in the Ballroom, Oldway Mansion, Paignton;

19 July 2012 in the Cecil Room, Oldway Mansion, Paignton;

25 October 2012 – venue to be confirmed.

The Chairperson thanked all those that attended and closed the meeting at 7:50 p.m.