Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Goodman-Bradbury, 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 13 September 2023.

Members considered the minutes of the Manor House & Riverside Centre Committee meeting held on 13 September 2023.

Resolved that the minutes of the Manor House & Riverside Centre Committee meeting held on 13 September 2023 be approved and signed as a correct and accurate record.

The Town Clerk reported that:

·         The tender process for the external repair and decoration of the Manor House was currently live with a closing date of 15 November.  It was anticipated that the tender analysis provided by the Council’s surveyor would be brought to the December Committee meeting, if not sooner.  Works were anticipated to start in April 2024.  Following discussion, it was suggested that works to the roof be prioritised with other works cascading from there.

·         He was now in receipt of details of a company to carry out a lightening risk assessment for the Manor House; this would form part of an agenda item at a future committee meeting,

·         No further correspondence had been received in respect of the canopy, or conservatory planning applications, with the latter being submitted in April 2023.  Members requested that the South West Ward district councillors be asked to make enquiries of the Planning Department to establish a timescale for determination in respect of both applications.  Such email from them to be copied to –

o   Councillors Foden, and M. James – TDC SW Ward Councillors

o   Councillor Taylor – Portfolio Holder for Planning – Teignbridge District Council

o   Councillor Wrigley – Leader, Teignbridge District Council

o   Anne Marie Morris MP – Newton Abbot Constituency

o   Rosalyn Eastman – Business Manager, Strategic Place – Teignbridge District Council

·         He had received correspondence from a hirer of the Manor House that some attendees struggled to hear in the Council chamber due to the acoustics and asked whether the Council might consider purchasing a PA system.  The Clerk advised the Council had previously installed sound reducing boards which had greatly improved the acoustics, and that the hearing loop system had been improved separately.  He suggested that this be investigated under delegated authority, in consultation with the Chair, to acquire a small PA system with a wireless microphone, and one where additional microphones could be purchased at a later date if required.  This would be for use in the largest rooms, predominantly the Council Chamber, Rooms 4A and B, and the Riverside Centre and could be made available for groups as part of the booking offer.

Resolved that the suggestions and actions be endorsed, and the report be noted.

To receive an update on the progress being made with the dry rot remedial works in Room 4B.

The Town Clerk advised that the internal dry-rot remedial works in Rooms 4A and B had now completed, with both rooms available for general hire.  This had also resulted in Town Council staff being able to reoccupy the offices beneath.

Resolved that the update be noted.

To consider the carpet tile swatches received and determine the colour for use in rooms 4A and B, with an acknowledgement for the wider use of the same colour throughout the rest of the building when the time comes.

The Committee considered the carpet tile swatches for rooms 4A and B, with a view to rolling out the same colour to the wider building as and when required.

Following discussion, it was

Resolved that swatch AB05 5012 L 37,43 LRV 9,77 be selected.

To receive an update on the replacement of the ceiling in the Town Clerk’s office and resolve appropriate action.

The Town Clerk informed Members that a condition survey had been undertaken by a specialist firm in relation to decorative ceiling repair.  The condition report is awaited, which will outline relevant details and describe the process of restoring the decorative ceiling back to its original character.

The specialist advised that the report would confirm the prior presence of lath and plaster with horsehair, together with an embossed cotton pulp decoration applied to the underside.  He was aware that the Committee had previously wished to investigate the possibility of using plasterboard, and then applying the decoration to the underneath.  This would require listed building consent as this would be deemed to be a material change.  This would not however prevent a temporary plasterboard ceiling being installed with appropriate lighting to enable the room to be put back into use in the interim.

Following discussion, it was

Resolved that

(a)    a temporary plasterboard ceiling be installed with appropriate lighting to enable the room to be put back into use as soon as possible,

(b)   the condition report be received, and on receipt

(c)    a suitable listed building consent application be devised and submitted to the planning authority for the use of reinstating the decorative ceiling using a plasterboard base, and like-for-like decorative finish (as per original and Mayor’s Parlour) being applied on top, and

(d)   in the event the listed building consent for (c) above is declined, that a like-for-like lath and plaster ceiling with decorative finish (as per original and Mayor’s Parlour) be instigated without delay.