Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chairman for 2020/2021 (the Terms of Reference state that the appointment should be made from the Devon County Council representation for 2020/2021).

RESOLVED that Cllr C R Slade be elected Chairman of the Committee for the municipal year 2020/2021.

(Proposed by Cllr R F Radford and seconded by Cllr Mrs C Daw)

To elect a Vice Chairman for 2020/2021 (the Terms of Reference state that this appointment should come from the Mid Devon District Council representation for 2020/2021).

RESOLVED that Cllr R F Radford be elected Vice Chairman for the municipal year 2020/2021.

(Proposed by Cllr C R Slade and seconded by Mr A Pilgrim)

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from the following members of the Committee:

·         Cllr George Birch (who was substituted by Cllr Ken Browse)

·         Mr Ray Jones

·         Mr Graham Moore

·         Mr Trevor White

To note the protocol for remote meetings.

The protocol for remote meetings was NOTED.

To receive any questions relating to items on the agenda from the public and replies thereto.

Victoria Pugh spoke in relation to item 10 on the agenda, ‘Tidcombe Hall planning application’: I want to ask the Joint Advisory Committee if as custodians of our much loved and admired Grand Western Canal often described as Tiverton’s most valuable asset, if you would consider very carefully your advice at this time given that the current proposal to build 179 houses so close to the canal bank is the single most important matter affecting the canal in a generation.

I note that last October the developer gave a presentation to you all. Reading the minutes of that meeting, clearly many concerns were raised by you and in the minutes it was concluded that ‘It is generally recognised that the proposed development if it comes to fruition would have a significant impact upon the canal.’ A year has passed, detailed plans have now been submitted by LVA and professional consultees and local residents have all expressed their views on Mid Devon’s website. Committee members will be aware that there are a great many views expressed, the vast majority opposing this development. Do members agree with me that now is the right time for this advisory committee to take a position, to come to a consensus and proffer your advice regarding the impact of this proposal on the canal for now and for future generations? Will the JAC add its voice to the many consultees who have considered the impact of this including, Tiverton Town Council, which is ‘unable to support it’, Devon County Council’s Floods and Risk assessors who object to it, the Highways authority which recommends refusal, Natural England who unusually has quite a strongly worded report, they raise concerns about the dangers from run off and I know that is a concern that many of you share with us, Blundells School and the National Trust which also has considerable concerns, Devon County Council Historic Environment team who again recommend refusal, the Tiverton Archeological group who oppose it and Tiverton Civic Society who object.

Thus I ask, will the Advisory Committee in the interests of protecting and enhancing the canal for the future advise Mid Devon in the strongest possible terms against allowing this development so close to the canal to go ahead? Thank you.

Speaking in relation to item 15 on the agenda, ‘Cyclists on the Canal’, Maureen Gooding stated that: We are mid-Devon residents, and frequent long-time users of the canal, for walking, bike riding, angling and, in the past, canoeing. My husband grew up in the area around the canal basin; both of our sons live very near to the canal.  Like many people it is an important amenity for us, one which we feel very positive about and one which we treat with respect and consideration. It is our experience that on the whole, most people we share the canal with are similarly positive and are good at sharing the country park.  During lockdown, when the local parks were closed, this was the only place  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Members to consider whether to approve the minutes as a correct record of the meeting held on 3^rd March 2020.

The minutes from the meeting held on 3 March 2020, having been previously circulated, were approved as a correct record.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting.

Mr Adam Pilgrim referred to minute number 24 and the funding situation regarding the canal. He confirmed that he had undertaken a significant amount of research in the past and had spoken with a number of senior officers but that due to Covid19 situation discussions had temporarily halted but would be taken up again as soon as possible.

To receive any announcements that the Chairman may wish to make.

The Chairman thanked the Committee for electing him as their Chairman and particularly thanked everybody who had attended the virtual meeting that evening.

To consider the Terms of Reference and membership of the Committee (please find attached).

Members considered the Terms of Understanding * and membership of the Committee.

RESOLVED that the Terms of Understanding and membership of the Committee be agreed.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note: * Terms of Understanding and Membership previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.

At the request of several members, Committee to discuss its views on the implications of this planning application upon the canal. Planning Officers will be present to provide any necessary background information.

The Chairman opened the discussion by reminding the Committee that planning matters were a consideration for the Planning Committee only. The JAC should merely concern itself with the proposed housing development as it affected the canal corridor.

Committee members expressed the following concerns regarding the proposed development:

·         The developer’s plans had seemingly increased since the presentation they gave to the Committee last October.

·         The plan showed considerable disrespect for the wildlife in the area.

·         Evidence of unrestrained water flow damage caused by new development elsewhere. There had been no financial provision made for the maintenance of attenuation ponds. The current culvert may not have sufficient capacity.

·         A possible repeat of the breach that had occurred in the recent past.

·         The devastating effect this development would have upon the canal as a tourist attraction.

·         The need for the offside strip to be kept as a nature reserve. It was confirmed that this strip of land was owned by Devon County Council. The County Council’s own Flood Risk Management team is a consultee to the planning application and has the expertise to assess the proposed mitigation measures.  The Canal Manager was given the choice of draining water from the site into the canal via an existing water course, or sending the water through an existing canal culvert. The Canal Manager’s preference was for the water to be culverted under the canal.

·         The negative visual impact upon the beauty of the canal.

·         The effect of more dogs on the canal as a result of 179 new houses.

·         The significant opposition to the proposal generally by the wider community who had submitted hundreds of objections. However, due to the size of the application it had to be presented to the Planning Committee for determination.

RESOLVED that the Grand Western Canal Joint Advisory Committee object to the Tidcombe Hall planning application in the strongest possible terms and for Mr Adam Pilgrim to co-ordinate a response in conjunction with the Chairman and Vice Chairman and to submit this within the appropriate timescales.

(Proposed by Mr P Brind and seconded by Mr P Saupe)

Note: (i) Cllrs L Cruwys, Mrs C Daw and R F Radford declared personal interests in that they were members of the Planning Committee and that they would abstain from any voting this evening and try to maintain an open mind.

(ii) Cllr Mrs C Collis declared a personal interest in that she was a substitute member of the Planning Committee.

(iii) Cllr Miss J Norton declared a personal interest in that she used to work for the National Trust at the Knightshayes estate.

To receive a report from the Public Rights of Way and Country Parks Manager (DCC) informing members of the work that has taken place since the last meeting.

The following issues were raised in relation to the progress report:

·         The currently limited number of parking spaces near the slipway was causing some concern. The Canal Manager was receptive to the idea of designated parking spaces but this would need further consideration and discussion with the parties involved.

·         Potholes under certain bridges where water collected following rain making it difficult for people to pass without nearing the edge of the canal. It was confirmed that a survey and necessary works would be undertaken 

To further reflect upon the implications of the pandemic on the canal if this has not been sufficiently discussed in the previous item.

Issues in relation to the effect of the pandemic on the canal had been discussed in the previous progress report.

To discuss any outstanding issues in relation to the Fenacre water transfer system.

This had also been covered in the progress report, however, it was repeated that progress had been slow due to the situation regarding Covid19 and the deadline had been pushed back to December.

Cllr Mrs Sue Griggs has requested that the Committee discuss the canal as a tourist attraction.

Cllr Mrs S Griggs had requested that this item be added to the agenda as she had read a lot about canals and their importance as tourist attractions. She requested that the Committee consider whether enough was being done to promote the canal as a precious resource both to Tiverton and to Mid Devon as a whole?

Consideration was given to the following:

·         The efforts made by Mr P Brind to promote the Grand Western Canal nationally. This was having a positive effect and more people were coming to visit. Mid Devon as a whole had a great deal to gain by further promotion.

·         ‘Visit Devon’ saw the canal as ‘unique’.

·         The need to look at further solutions for people to use the entire length of the canal, not just the Canal Basin end where parking during peak times was sometimes limited.

·         The positive effect upon the villages running alongside the canal due to increased numbers of people visiting the canal.

·         Cllr Miss J Norton stated that she had written her undergraduate dissertation on the Grand Western Canal and that as such she had a great deal of knowledge about it. There were many opportunities to be explored in terms of promoting the canal further and she was keen to work with members of the committee to explore the options available.

·         The importance of the canal to the cycling community. It was part of the National Cycling Network Route 3.

·         The increase usage and footfall during the pandemic and the need to monitor increased numbers of powered scooters and paddle boarders.

·         A forthcoming improved Canal website which should be launched next year as a result of an HLF project at Stover Country Park which is developing a new website for that site.

·         The need for an updated interactive map showing the entire length of the canal and all the villages that ran alongside it.

RESOLVED that Cllr Mrs S Griggs talk to the appropriate officer at Mid Devon District Council who had responsibility for a tourism group with a view to setting up an informal working group to include Mr P Brind and the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the JAC.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Cllr Mrs Sue Griggs has requested that the issue of cyclists on the canal be discussed further due to a number of complaints and concerns being raised in recent months.

Cllr Mrs S Griggs had requested that this item be added to the agenda due to a lot of recent discussion on social media. A lot of different views had been expressed but there was a need to try and find a way of working together in a respectful way.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         The majority of cyclists followed the rules and were respectful of other users.

·         Increased usage by cyclists during the pandemic as a means of exercise and escape.

·         Whether the signs asking cyclists to dismount under bridges were big enough. Many were still not dismounting and this presented significant dangers to other users.

·         The fact that the signs only recommended cyclists dismount, they did not ‘instruct’ them to, perhaps the language used needed to be more forceful?

·         The poor behaviours of some users generally, not just cyclists and the dangers they presented.

·         A fear that a tragedy would happen with somebody falling into the canal.

·         The importance of the Friends Group and how they could act as a helpful forum to look further at this issue and identify a way forward. Contact details were on the Friends website.

·         The Tiverton cyclist group could also look at the issues raised further.

·         Limited powers to tackle those disrespecting the rules of the canal. Bylaws were open to interpretation.

·         The limited resources within the Canal Ranger team who were working hard just to keep on top of the basic maintenance of the canal.

·         The potential for the Canal Ranger team and the Community Patrol Boat skipper to be given greater powers by the police under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme.

·         The need for a long term strategic approach rather than a kneejerk reaction to social media comments.

To consider any other relevant business.

No issues were raised under this item.

To identify any issues for discussion at the next meeting.

Items for the agenda (other than those which usually came) were requested to be notified to the Clerk nearer the time.

To agree the date of the next meeting as Tuesday 2^nd March 2021 at 7pm.

It was AGREED that the date of the next meeting would be Tuesday 2^nd March 2021 at 7pm.