To receive any questions relating to items on the Agenda from members of the public and replies thereto.
Minutes:
Referring to item 4 on the agenda Cllr G Guest from Cullompton Town Council informed the Cabinet that Cullompton Town Council had made written statements regarding the Masterplan, some of which had been taken into consideration and some of which were mentioned under comments within the report. However, he still had concerns regarding the width of the proposed relief road as wide agricultural vehicles would need to use it. Cllr Guest also referred to the sports and recreation areas that had been allocated and stated that local sports groups had expressed to him that they would prefer a multi games area or tennis courts rather than three football pitches and he asked who would maintain the pitches. He also said that it was important that the school was built early in the process and that it had adequate sports and play facilities. Cllr Guest asked if the current public footpaths and bridleways within the area would be maintained and improved and realigned if they were on a steep hill. The extension should be a walking and cycling amenity. He asked that the Cullompton Town Council be involved in any consultation regarding the spend of section 106 funds. Cllr Guest asked for clarification on the difference between land allocation sales and house sales. He also asked if any enhancements would be made to ensure that the residents of St Georges View were not inconvenienced during the build.
The Chairman indicated that questions would be answered at the agenda item.
Mr R Hopkins, referring to item 4 on the agenda asked the Cabinet if they were aware of concerns regarding the roundabout and access to the relief road on Tiverton Road. He stated that the development at Swallow Way had become a rat run for people avoiding the Town Centre, that it had cars parked on either side of it and that access could be difficult.
Mr Hopkins also said that the area towards Ponsford was extremely wet and that there could be problems with water run-off into the new estate. The road there had flooded a couple of years ago and this may occur again. He also asked how far the extension would reach in the direction of Knowle.
Mr J Chard, referring to item 4 on the agenda asked what facilities it was anticipated would be provided in the area identified for employment and a local centre. He also asked if a site could be identified for a swimming pool. He explained that a local group had raised funds for a pool but two identified sites had been turned down.
Cllr R J Chesterton informed Mr Chard that a land promoter that held an option on land to the North West of the extension was in discussion with the swimming pool team and had pledged that he would provide land for a pool. This land was however outside the area being discussed today.
Mr Tinley, a resident of St Georges View, referring to item 4 on the agenda explained that St Georges View comprised of 30 plus houses, many of the residents had lived there a long time and most were retired or semi-retired. The area had a nice neighbourly atmosphere. He said that all the residents were against their road being used for access and that this had been shown by the numbers attending meetings and sending letters. He said that sadly this had been to no avail and that now the quiet cul-de-sac would become a noisy dirty access road, helping developers to make profits. Householders would have a loss of value to property and a lack of quality of life.
Cllr John Berry from Devon County Council expressed concern regarding the width of the proposed road. He stated that it needed to be wider than proposed or the same problems would occur as were happening in Swallow Way. He urged that all authorities got together to sort out the problems in Swallow Way and that the width of the new road be given serious consideration as well as parking being prevented on the road.