Council Meeting – 3rd November 2025
The following Councillors are summoned to attend:
Cllr J. Abbey, Cllr I. Mitchelmore, Cllr J. Harris, Cllr S. Lange, Cllr I. Luscombe, Cllr P. Osborne, Cllr C. Staines and Cllr G. Sutton.
Cllr J. Brazil, Cllr L. Lawford and members of the public are invited to attend.
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 3rd November 2025, in Slapton Village Hall (main hall), at 7.00 pm.
The public comment section is 15 minutes in duration with 3 minutes allocated per person. If any parishioners wish to speak at the meeting, please contact the clerk by email clerk@slaptonparishcouncil-devon.gov.uk 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
AGENDA
1) APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Does the PC resolve to accept the reasons for the apologies for absence from…?
2) DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable interest they may have in any items to be considered. They are also reminded to consider whether, in the light of recent activities, any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.
3) PUBLIC COMMENT
4) POLICE REPORT: None
5) COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
a. Cllr J. Brazil
b. Cllr L. Lawford
6) MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 6th October 2025, if agreed, to be signed by the Chair as a true and correct record – see separate document (6).
7) PLANNING
a. Applications (for resolution)
i. 2929/25/HHO Alston Farm House, Slapton, TQ7 2QE
Householder application for proposed single storey rear extension
PC comments: by 11th November
b. Decisions (for information only)
i. 2444/25/HHO Home Farm, Wood Lane, Slapton, TQ7 2QX
Householder application for partial demolition, alterations, first floor, rear & side extensions, alterations to garage/storage, new outdoor swimming pool & associated driveway, parking & landscape enhancements
SHDC decision: Conditional approval
c. Tree Works (for information only): None
d. Withdrawn: None
8) MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION: None
9) PROPOSALS FOR DISCUSSION AND RESOLUTION
a. Co-option: Does the PC wish to co-opt Tracey Fletcher onto the Council?
b. Community Grants: Does the PC wish to award a grant to the only applicant? See separate document (9b)
c. Bus shelter at Greenbanks: Having discussed the notes from the meeting between Cllrs Abbey, Osborne and Sutton and some parishioners from Greenbanks on 23rd September 2025, does the PC wish to write to the registered owners of the verges at Brandis Park to seek their permission to submit a planning application for a bus shelter on one of the verges at Brandis Park?
10) CLERK’S REPORT: Verbal update from Clerk on any matters arising since October’s PC meeting
11) CHAIR’S REPORT: Verbal update from Chair on any matters arising since October’s PC meeting
12) COUNCILLOR REPORTS
a. Update from Cllr Sutton on OPCC
13) REVIEW OF ACTION LOG: Cllr updates on any pending actions/actions requiring a status update in the action log – see separate document (13)
14) FINANCIAL MATTERS
a. Payments to approve: Does the PC approve the payments below, which have been examined, verified and certified by the Clerk and RFO? – see separate document (14a)
| Payment no | Details of payment | Amount | Paid for noting |
| VISA71 | Amazon: HP Ink Cartridges. Invoice no GB57YWFF2AEUI, dated 13.10.25 | 97.49
81.24 + 16.25 VAT |
Paid |
| PAY72 | SERVICE CHARGES REF : 467200034 | 4.25 | Paid |
| 73 | Village Hall: September PC meeting 1st and meeting with parishioners 23rd. Invoice no C101081/25, dated 14.10.25 | 30.00 | |
| 74 | Parish Online: Website service. Invoice no 18UG043-0010, dated 10.10.25 | 240.00
200.00 + 40.00 VAT |
|
| 75 | PCC: Mowing/upkeep of area around the war memorial in St James’s churchyard. Invoice dated 21.10.25 | 250.00 | |
| 76 | Rural Village Services Membership. Invoice no RVSG/25/26/48, dated 21.10.25 | 63.00
52.50 + 10.50 VAT |
|
| 77 | B Moor: Clerk’s salary Oct 2025 plus £24.00 WFH allowance | 845.20 |
*Additional invoices received after the agenda has been issued will be available for review at the meeting
b. Balance at bank
| Balance as per bank statements on 27.10.25 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account | 20,355.90 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account | 13,748.29 |
| Total | 34,104.19 |
c. Receipts summary
| Receipts as per bank statements on 27.10.25 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account
VAT refund (mid-year 25/26) |
182.23 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account
October interest |
6.78 |
| Total | 189.01 |
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on
Monday 1st December 2025 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.
Signed: Bella Moor, Clerk Date: 28.10.25
MINUTES
Those in attendance: Cllr J. Abbey, Cllr I. Mitchelmore, Cllr J. Harris (arrived 7.07 pm), Cllr S. Lange, Cllr P. Osborne, Cllr G. Sutton and Cllr J. Brazil (7.00 pm to 7.40 pm).
Five members of the public were in attendance.
One parishioner, whose co-option onto the Parish Council was on the agenda for discussion, was in attendance for the duration of the meeting.
Four other parishioners were in attendance to make public comments (arrived 7.00 pm and left at 7.14 pm).
86:25 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: No apologies for absence received. Cllr C. Staines and Cllr I. Luscombe were not in attendance. Cllr L. Lawford was also unable to attend.
Meeting closed at 7.04 pm for public comment.
87:25 Public comment
The key points raised by the four parishioners, which are their own viewpoints, are as follows:
Highways safety
• Proximity to junction: The proposed site is too close to a busy junction from Brandis Park to Sands Road and the bus shelter should be located further away from the junction in accordance with usual highway safety distances.
• Loss of visibility: A bus shelter at this location would block the essential line of sight for vehicles exiting Brandis Park, creating a significant safety hazard. The verges are believed to have been included in the original design of Brandis Park to allow for safe sightlines.
• Existing parking issues: Vehicles already park near the junction and verge, reducing visibility. A bus shelter would further restrict sightlines.
• Construction standards: Any structure must meet Local Highways Authority standards and be installed by approved contractors; using local volunteers or unapproved labour would not be acceptable.
• Formal assessment: Parishioners questioned whether the Parish Council had undertaken a full safety and suitability assessment for the proposed site.
Environmental impact
• Visual: The shelter would detract from the appearance of the village gateway within a designated National Landscape and be out of keeping with the rural character of Slapton.
• Loss of green verge: The verge is one of few green spaces in the village, planted with bulbs and supporting wildlife. Installing a shelter would destroy this habitat.
Social impact
• Space constraints and proximity to residential properties: There is insufficient space for a shelter without encroaching on the public footpath and the proposed site is too close to nearby residential properties. It would negatively affect residents’ privacy.
• Noise and congregation: There is potential for noise and congregation at the shelter (outside of collection and drop off times) and there is a likelihood of other antisocial behaviours (based on issues already experienced at other shelters in the village), such as rough sleeping, littering and misuse as a lavatory.
Necessity
• Limited number of days and times needed: The shelter would likely be used only briefly at school times and during poor weather. The school buses usually arrive and depart at the same time each day. There are 190 school days each year and since September 2025 to today (3rd November), it has only rained once at the time that the primary school children are collected.
• Potential future changes to bus routes: Since 1997 the bus route has changed several times. There is no guarantee that the route will not change again in the future meaning the shelter would become redundant.
• Potential future changes to demographics: There have been changes to the demographics over the last 30 years. Currently, there are a number of children living at Greenbanks – however, this is likely to change again in the future and the number of school age children may drop. There is concern that the bus shelter could become a ‘white elephant’ if there is little demand for it in the future.
Costs and value for money
• Parishioners questioned whether the cost of installation and long-term upkeep represents good value for public funds, given the shelter’s limited use. There is concern that Council Tax should not be used for what may become an underused or unnecessary structure.
• There are no formal maintenance arrangements for the verge, which residents currently maintain voluntarily and concern was raised about costs associated with ongoing maintenance of the bus shelter and surrounding verges.
The parishioners also shared a written document with Cllrs, summarising their points.
Meeting reopened at 7.14 pm.
88:25 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Harris declared a non-registerable interest in an agenda item relating to planning (minute ref 92:25 a i), as he is a neighbour, and it was agreed that he would not vote on the matter. Cllr Mitchelmore declared a non-registerable interest in the agenda item relating to discussions about a bus shelter at Greenbanks because he lives at Brandis Park close and the proposed site of the Bus Shelter is on a verge at the entrance to Brandis Park (minute ref 94:25 c). It was agreed he would leave the room before the matter was discussed and that he would not vote on any resolution.
89:25 POLICE REPORT: None
90:25 COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT
a. Cllr J. Brazil
i. Slapton Line Partnership: DCC Highways were not in attendance at the last Slapton Line Partnership meeting. Natural England were also absent. Cllr Brazil noted that the new Adaptation Manager is performing well and real progress is being made. Sub-groups will be set up to progress matters further. Cllr Brazil was impressed with the new interactive map for recording matters associated with inland routes. The back routes will be inspected on 21st November by DCC Highways. Attendees to include Cllr Brazil and Dan Thomas (Cabinet Member for Highways).
ii. Local Government reorganisation: There will be a full council meeting on 14th November and cabinet meeting on 18th November before County’s preferred option is submitted to Government by 28th November. County’s preferred option is ‘one’ Devon, alongside Torbay and Plymouth on existing boundaries. However, most District Councils are supporting a four, five, one model.
iii. Devolution: It appears that the devolution White Paper has effectively stalled, with no current prospect of a mayor and no apparent benefits at this stage.
iv. Highways: The new protocol for communication between DCC Highways and communities, including Town and Parish Councils, will be finalised on 10th December. Cllr Osborne queried what was happening with Highways maintenance contracts. Cllr Brazil explained that they are under review to ensure they are more flexible and that there is more accountability. However, contracts are not being brought in-house at this time. The Clerk noted that DALC do not have copy of the draft protocol and did not share this at their recent conference for members.
91:25 MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING held on 6th October 2025 were agreed unanimously and signed by the Chair as a true and correct record.
92:25 PLANNING
a. Applications (for resolution)
i. 2929/25/HHO Alston Farm House, Slapton, TQ7 2QE
Householder application for proposed single storey rear extension
Cllr Lange proposed, Cllr Mitchelmore seconded and it was resolved unanimously to submit no comment on this application. Cllr Harris did not vote. Clerk to action.
b. Decisions (for information only)
i. 2444/25/HHO Home Farm, Wood Lane, Slapton, TQ7 2QX
Householder application for partial demolition, alterations, first floor, rear & side extensions, alterations to garage/storage, new outdoor swimming pool & associated driveway, parking & landscape enhancements
SHDC decision: Conditional approval.
c. Tree Works (for information only): None
d. Withdrawn: None
93:25 MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION: None
94:25 PROPOSALS FOR DISCUSSION and RESOLUTION
a. Cllr Mitchelmore proposed, Cllr Lange seconded and it was resolved unanimously that Tracey Fletcher should be co-opted onto the Parish Council. Clerk to action.
b. Cllr Lange proposed, Cllr Osborne seconded and it was resolved unanimously to award a grant of £240.00 to Jill Gregory for a drumming workshop, subject to confirmation that the workshop will take place at Slapton Village Hall and that entry will be free. Clerk to action.
Cllr Mitchelmore had declared a non-registerable interest in the next item for discussion and resolution so he left the room before discussions began. He did not engage in any discussion whatsoever and did not vote.
c. Councillors discussed the matter of a bus shelter at Greenbanks at length. They considered the need for a bus shelter, together with all other relevant factors specifically highway safety and the private ownership of the proposed site. Following detailed discussion, the PC acknowledged its support in principle for the provision of a bus shelter and that it wants to support parishioners to deliver this. However, it agreed that, on balance, the proposed location at Brandis Park was not viable. This conclusion reflects the initial view intimated by DCC Highways that the site, which is at a junction, would raise highway safety concerns so it is very unlikely that planning permission would be granted by South Hams District Council. The PC would be willing to discuss the provision of a shelter within Greenbanks, adjoining the play area and open to the pavement, although it appreciates this is not an ideal solution.
Cllr Sutton proposed, Cllr Lange seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the PC will not write to the registered owners of the verges at Brandis Park to seek permission to submit a planning application for the installation of a bus shelter on one of the verges.
Cllr Mitchelmore returned to the room.
95:25 CLERK’S REPORT: The Clerk reported the following:
a. There are two upcoming DALC webinars that might be relevant and of interest to Cllrs. Please advise if you would like a place booked.
b. Thanks to Cllr Harris for repositioning the grit bin on Marsh Lane.
c. There are two upcoming road closures on the A379 at Stoke Flemming an Stokenham (an email with details has been sent to Cllrs). Road closure notices have been posted on the PC’s website but please could Cllrs make parishioners aware too.
d. A parishioner has reported trees down on the unmetalled road from Start to Harleston. The Clerk has advised parishioner to report to DCC, who are responsible for the management of public footpaths and unmetalled roads in the Parish.
e. A freedom of information request for RTA statistics in the Parish has been submitted as requested by Cllr Sutton.
f. 19 parishioners attended the community café today. The Community Café rota is nearly completed (although there are still a few gaps to fill). Clerk to action.
g. Defibrillator training is booked for Monday 8th December. Posters to go on website and noticeboards shortly. Clerk to action.
h. The village clean is booked for Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th December. There was a discussion about how this date falls before some farmers cut their hedges and recognition that this was not ideal but that it is necessary to clear the drains in the village in December. If the drain clearance is left any later, they can become overwhelmed in heavy rainfall. Cllr Harris offered to liaise with farmers re hedge cutting so that as many as possible are cut before the village clean. Cllr Harris to action. Posters to go on website and noticeboards shortly. Clerk to action.
96:25 CHAIR’S REPORT: The Chair reported the following:
a. Slapton Line Partnership: The last meeting on 23rd October was positive and constructive. The new Adaptation Manager has gathered information from stakeholders and is putting together a plan to achieve certain targets. This will involve smaller sub-groups working together to discuss specific aspects of the adaptation plan, which will include: Inland routes; environmental designations; A379 coastal; amenities group; economics and funding; and business and tourism. The Slapton Line Partnership has moved from a position of exploring possibilities to protect the A379, when it was chaired by Anthony Mangnall, to an acceptance that the road will go. In the interim, minor repairs will continue to be carried out as DCC does have an emergency agreement with Natural England to do so. Cllr Abbey now has a large paper map and is liaising with Cllr Osborne regarding a date to document the condition of Five Mile Lane so that information can be entered onto the electronic map together with suggestions for necessary remedial works and/or passing places etc. Cllrs Abbey and Osborne to action. The planning application to move the American War Memorial expires in September.
b. National Landscapes has noted that it has mechanically removed floating pennywort weed at Stokely pond as it is highly invasive.
c. South West Water has confirmed that repairs will be carried out on the faulty vent in a field off Blacksmiths Hill. Cllr Mitchelmore confirmed that these repairs have now been carried out.
97:25 COUNCILLOR REPORTS
a. Cllr Sutton reported that there were no relevant updates from the OPPC and that the current policing focus is on antisocial behaviour in Ivybridge, Paignton and Bodmin.
98:25 REVIEW OF ACTION LOG
a. There are no pending actions or actions requiring a status update from Cllrs.
99:25 FINANCIAL MATTERS
a. Payments to approve: Cllr Lange proposed, Cllr Sutton seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the payments below, which have been examined, verified and certified by the Clerk. Clerk to action.
| Payment no | Details of payment | Amount | Paid for noting |
| VISA71 | Amazon: HP Ink Cartridges. Invoice no GB57YWFF2AEUI, dated 13.10.25 | 97.49
81.24 + 16.25 VAT |
Paid |
| PAY72 | SERVICE CHARGES REF : 467200034 | 4.25 | Paid |
| 73 | Village Hall: September PC meeting 1st and meeting with parishioners 23rd. Invoice no C101081/25, dated 14.10.25 | 30.00 | |
| 74 | Parish Online: Website service. Invoice no 18UG043-0010, dated 10.10.25 | 240.00
200.00 + 40.00 VAT |
|
| 75 | PCC: Mowing/upkeep of area around the war memorial in St James’s churchyard. Invoice dated 21.10.25 | 250.00 | |
| 76 | Rural Village Services Membership. Invoice no RVSG/25/26/48, dated 21.10.25 | 63.00
52.50 + 10.50 VAT |
|
| 77 | B Moor: Clerk’s salary Oct 2025 plus £24.00 WFH allowance | 845.20 | |
| 78 | Nick Mathias: Road warden October. Invoice no 2179/26, dated 31.10.25 | 370.25 | |
| 79 | Nick Mathias: Grass cutting October – Invoice no 2178/26, dated 31.10.25 | 369.78 | |
| DD80 | VC Warehouse: Oct phone. Invoice no 1016255, dated 01.11.25 | 11.94
9.95 + 1.99 VAT |
|
| 81 | Woolston Accounts: October payroll. Invoice no INV-0968, dated 03.11.25 | 20.00 |
b. Balance at bank
| Balance as per bank statements on 27.10.25 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account | 20,355.90 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account | 13,748.29 |
| Total | 34,104.19 |
c. Receipts summary
| Receipts as per bank statements on 27.10.25 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account
VAT refund (mid-year 25/26) |
182.23 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account
October interest |
6.78 |
| Total | 189.01 |
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on
Monday 1st December 2025 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.
Signed: Date:
