Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Dawson (ex-officio), Goodman-Bradbury (ex-officio), and Pyne.

Resolved that the apologies be noted.

There was no Part II.

To declare any disclosable interests relating to the forthcoming items of business (if any).

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive and consider requests for dispensation (if any).

There were no dispensations.

To approve and sign the minutes of the Manor House & Riverside Centre Committee held on 7 June 2023.

Members considered the minutes of the Manor House & Riverside Centre Committee meeting held on 7 June 2023.

Resolved that the minutes of the Manor House & Riverside Centre Committee meeting held on 7 June 2023 be approved and signed as a correct and accurate record.

The Town Clerk advised he was yet to receive a response from Teignbridge District Council’s Building Control department, or Conservation Officer regards the canopy at the Manor House.

Resolved that the update be noted.

To note the current spend on dry rot works and resolve actions where required.

Members received and noted the costs to date of the dry-rot remedial works in rooms 4A and 4B.

Resolved that

(a)    The report be noted; and

(b)   The budget cost of £3,000 for repair of timber floor structure be approved.

To consider the amended proposed schedule of works for the Manor House, and Riverside Centre and resolve which actions should proceed to tender.

Members considered the revised recommended schedule of works for the Manor House and Riverside Centre.

In relation to the canopy at the Manor House, it was

Resolved that

(a)    Croft Surveyors be asked to comment on the structural integrity of the canopy whilst currently propped up, and whether it constitutes a health and safety risk to the point where its temporary removal (pending listed building consent) is required,

(b)   the contact details for the officer in Building Control be obtained to request an immediate visit for assessment in terms of health and safety,

Following discussion about the wider programme of works, it was

Resolved that

(c)    investigations of dry rot spread be undertaken in the Town Council offices, and Mayor’s Parlour, and

(d)   Croft Surveyor’s be asked to begin a procurement exercise for the Manor House works identified as ‘priority’, and ‘within 18 months’, with the inclusion of treatment of roof timbers with preservative treatment (Cuprinol 5 star or similar), and that as part of the tender specification, builders with specific experience of working on Grade II listed buildings be sought, and that heritage expertise may be obtained where necessary or required.

The Manor House and Riverside Committee is requested to approve that the central strip across the turning circle in front of the Manor House (where works were completed last year) become a wildflower area (with biodiversity and pollinators) as the Council has declared a climate emergency, and that within seven days, if approval were granted, a meeting of the ACT Wildlife Warden and a representative of the Civic Amenities Committee meet for advice with a view to early planting. The area would be accompanied by relevant signage of the project.

Members considered a recommendation from the Civic Amenities Committee that sought to approve the central strip of the running circle in the Manor House car park being converted into a wildflower area.

During discussion, points were raised that the area is used for weddings and the design of such should be sympathetic so as not to prevent future weddings from taking place under the Monterey Pine.

Resolved that

(a)    The Town Clerk be given delegated authority to determine the shape and layout of the wildflower area in consultation with the Events, Projects, and Tourism Officer, ACT Wildlife Warden, and Chair of the Civic Amenities Committee; and

(b)   That appropriate signage be purchased in due course.

The Manor House & Riverside Centre Committee is asked to appoint three Members to form the Car Park Task & Finish Group to consider options for better management of the car park at the Manor House.

Members considered forming a task and finish group to investigate measures aimed at addressing unauthorised parking in the Manor House car park.

Following discussion, it was

Resolved that

(a)    A task and finish group is not formed,

(b)   The Town Clerk of Teignmouth Town Council be invited to address the Committee regards Teignmouth’s experiences of parking at Bitton House and the introduction of parking charges; and

(c)    The Town Clerk writes a report detailing other measures available to the Council it could pursue if it were minded to do so.