Council Meeting – 1st December 2025

The following Councillors are summoned to attend:
Cllr J. Abbey, Cllr I. Mitchelmore, Cllr T. Fletcher, Cllr J. Harris, Cllr S. Lange, Cllr I. Luscombe, Cllr P. Osborne, Cllr C. Staines and Cllr G. Sutton.

Cllr L. Lawford and members of the public are invited to attend.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 1st December 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) DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT

a. Cllr L. Lawford

6) MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 3rd November 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): None

b. Decisions (for information only): None

c. Tree Works (for information only): Tree Wardens will comment

i. 3305/25/TCA Carlane House, Carr Lane, Slapton, TQ7 2PU
T3: Prunus Sp – Remove deadwood and abnormal proliferation growths
T4: Plum – Remove to allow construction of greenhouse
T5: Camellia – Remove to allow construction of greenhouse
T6: Ilex aquafolia – Crown height reduction by 3mtrs to try to improve form and to increase light to understory
T7: Mountain Ash – Remove to allow construction of greenhouse
T8: 3 x Camellia – Remove to allow construction of greenhouse
T9: Clerodendron – Remove to allow construction of greenhouse
T11: Tulip – Remove deadwood
T12: Magnolia grandiflora – Remove 1 x lowest limb over neighbours & Crown lift limbs over roof to give 1 metre clearance due to overhanging neighbours property
T13: Hazel – Coppice to ground level to increase light to area and allow for replanting and Hazel regrowth
T15: Maple – Remove deadwood & Crown lift to 3 metres to increase light to area and allow for replanting
T20: Hazel/Holly Hedge – Coppice to ground level due to overgrown hedge, thinning in bottom, poor low level screening value. Coppicing will increase light to area and allow for replanting and hedge regrowth

ii. 3352/25/TPO Kippax, 2 Chantry Hill, Slapton, TQ7 2QY
T1: Ash – remove, dieback present, losing limbs, ivy infestation
T2: Poplar – crown reduce by 3m overall, growing through T1

d. Withdrawn: None

8) MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION

a. Bus shelter – Greenbanks: Does the PC wish to explore whether a bus shelter within Greenbanks itself could be a viable option? If so, the matter will be added to the next agenda for resolution

9) PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION

a. Internal audit: Does the PC approve the appointment of Devon Audit Partnership as its internal auditors for year end 2025-26? See separate document (9a)
b. Buddleholes: Does the PC approve, in principle, the clearing of buddleholes/ditches on Blacksmiths Hill and Prospect Hill using a digger. Costs to be confirmed for approval but will likely include hire of a digger for 5 days and 2 days labour
c. Allotments: Does the PC wish to progress with the provision of allotments?

10) CLERK’S REPORT: Verbal update from Clerk on any matters arising since November’s PC meeting

11) CHAIR’S REPORT: Verbal update from Chair on any matters arising since November’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
PAY82	SERVICE CHARGES REF: 469894552	4.25	Paid
DD83	Amazon: 50 coffee capsules x 2. Invoice no GB50006BTT7N851, dated 19.11.25	60.00	Paid
DD84	Amazon: 50 decaf coffee capsules. Invoice no GB50006BET7N851, dated 19.11.25	28.45	Paid
DD85	Amazon: 300 napkins. Invoice no GB-2025-649777558, dated 19.11.25	10.99 9.16 + 1.83 VAT	Paid
DD86	Amazon: Jigsaw board. Invoice no GB5958PFDAEUI, dated 20.11.25	25.00 20.83 + 4.17 VAT	Paid
87	Village Hall: October PC meeting. Invoice no C111096/25	20.00
88	Parish Online: Mapping software. Invoice no 18UG043-0011, dated 10.11.25	48.00 40.00 + 8.00 VAT
89	Royal British Legion: Wreath. Invoice no/order no 31322268, dated 05.11.25	20.00 16.77 + 3.23 VAT

*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 25.11.25	Amount GBP
Community Account	18,027.04
Commercial Instant Access Account	13,755.52
Total	31,782.56

c. Receipts summary

Receipts as per bank statements on 25.11.25	Amount GBP
Community Account	0.00
Commercial Instant Access Account November interest	7.23
Total	7.23

The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on
Monday 5^th January 2026 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.

 

Signed: Bella Moor, Clerk                                                                                           Date: 25.11.25

 

MINUTES

Those in attendance: Cllr J. Abbey, Cllr J. Harris, Cllr S. Lange, Cllr I. Luscombe, Cllr P. Osborne, Cllr G. Sutton and Cllr L. Lawford (left at 7.41 pm)

Seven members of the public were in attendance.
One member of the public left at 7.19 pm.
The remaining six members of the public left at ~7.50 pm.

100:25 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: The Parish Council resolved unanimously to accept the reasons for the apologies for absence from Cllr Mitchelmore and Cllr Brazil. The Chair informed Cllrs that she had received Cllr C. Staines’ resignation.

101:25 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: No declarations of interest were made at the outset. However, during consideration of the agenda item concerning buddleholes, Cllr Harris declared a financial interest. This arose because, during discussions, he offered the use of his time and trailer, free of charge, to remove any mud excavated by a digger. The Clerk advised that the Parish Council could consider reimbursing him for this work at the Road Warden hourly rate, noting that he had already completed seven hours of ditch maintenance on behalf of the Parish Council at no cost. Consequently, Cllr Harris declared a financial interest in the item and it was agreed that he would abstain from voting on any matters relating to buddleholes.

Meeting closed at 7.01 pm for public comment.

102:25 PUBLIC COMMENT

Three members of the public commented on the agenda item about a proposed bus shelter within Greenbanks. The key points raised, which are their own viewpoints, are as follows:

Parish Council process/consultation
• Comments made by members of the public during the public comment section at the November PC meeting seem like they were based on opinions rather than being factual.
• The Parish Council has not given Brandis Park due consideration and it has not carried out a risk assessment.
• There has been no consultation between those opposed to a bus shelter at Brandis Park and the residents of Greenbanks before public comments were made at the November PC meeting.
• One of the residents of Brandis Park has since consulted with one of the residents at Greenbanks and said it wasn’t their idea to oppose the bus shelter at Brandis Park and that they were not the ring leader.
• The preferred option is to have the bus shelter at Brandis Park and it is requested that this be put back on the agenda for reconsideration by the Parish Council.

Usage of the bus services
• There are 18 children altogether that use the two school bus services from Greenbanks – comprising both primary and secondary school children.
• Not all children using the bus service live in Greenbanks so a bus shelter would serve all children in the village.
• The Coleridge Bus also picks up and drops off from Greenbanks on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• A bus shelter would be for the whole wider community [i.e. all that use transport from this location].

Wellbeing
• Children getting soaking wet doesn’t help with school attendance – if they get sick.
• Concern should be given to children’s wellbeing.
• Parents can sometimes wait up to 15 minutes for children to be dropped off in the afternoon.
• Currently, some parents/children [who do not live within Greenbanks] wait in vehicles, causing pollution.

Further reasons supporting Brandis Park as the preferred location
• A bus shelter at Brandis Park would be a safer location than the play park within Greenbanks as children would not need to cross the road to board the bus.
• A bus shelter at Brandis Park would not cause an obstruction to safe sightlines [for vehicles exiting Brandis Park] if it was set far enough back.
• Tally Ho [who operate the school buses] will not enter Greenbanks.
• If the bus shelter was within Greenbanks, the buses waiting for children to walk from a shelter within Greenbanks would cause an obstruction to other road users and could make them late for work.
• There is also a possibility of secondary school children missing the bus, if the bus shelter is in the play park within Greenbanks, as they may not see it arrive.
• A petition in support of a bus shelter at Brandis Park has been prepared and has received 28 signatures.

Next steps
• It was requested that the Parish Council’s efforts are focussed on provision of a bus shelter at Brandis Park as this is the location preferred by residents of Greenbanks. The Brandis Park location should be reconsidered before the Parish Council considers a bus shelter within Greenbanks. It was requested that a bus shelter at Brandis Park is added to the agenda again.

With permision from the Chair, the Clerk explained the following point of order to the members of the public:

Once a resolution has been passed, the Parish Council’s Standing Orders state that it cannot usually be revisited within six months [see Standing Order 7a and 7b]. As such, certain steps would be required before it could be added to an agenda for reconsideration in the next six months so this may not be possible to do.

The Chair thanked the members of the public for their comments.

One member of the public commented on the agenda item about buddleholes. The key points raised, which are their own viewpoints, are as follows:

• There are two buddle holes on the route into Start via Langford Cottage that have not been cleared for a long time and require mechanical clearance. There are others along the route to Deerbridge that also need to be cleared.

This member of the public, who was Chair of the Slapton Ladies Activity Group [now defunct], also requested that the Parish Council considers upgrades to the Recreation Field in the future and reported that £600.00 of funding towards upgrades would be made available for this from Slapton Ladies Activity Group.

Meeting reopened at 7.19 pm.

103:25 POLICE REPORT: None

104:25 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT: Cllr L. Lawford

a. Local government reorganisation: South Hams District Council has been focused on preparing their local government reorganisation proposal. The proposal meets the criteria set by the Government and was submitted on 28th November.

b. Thermal imaging cameras: Thermal imaging cameras are now available for rent from South Hams District Council to assist in improving energy efficiency in community buildings.

c. Home improvement – warm homes grant: Over 40 applicants have already received a grant. There are 80 additional grants available but demand for the grant is high and it is currently oversubscribed. The scheme was advertised by South Hams District Council through local channels. Cllr Abbey noted that she had also included information about the scheme in one her Chair’s reports in the Slapton Lines Magazine. When new grants are available, further communications will be issued to ensure residents are informed.

d. Torr Quarry recycling centre closures: Concerns have been raised regarding ongoing issues with Torr Quarry closures. A site visit has been arranged by South Hams District Council to assess the situation.

e. Slapton Line Partnership meeting: At the recent SLP meeting, Roger English highlighted problems with pond weed at Stokeley, particularly the presence of floating pennywort.

f. Fly tipping: Fly tipping continues to be a problem in the area. South Hams District Council offers a bulky waste collection service. The Clerk confirmed this service has been advertised on the Parish Council’s website.

g. Inland roads: Devon County Council (DCC) conducted a survey in 2024 regarding inland roads. Initially, the information generated by DCC could not be accessed, but it has now been shared with Dan Field (SHDC) and Lou Hoskins (SLP Adaptation Manager). Cllr Abbey requested that Cllr Lawford arrange for a copy to be provided to the Parish Council.

h. Residents’ parking discount: Residents are encouraged to sign up for the resident parking discount scheme.

i. Enforcement: Cllr Lawford will follow up with the enforcement team at South Hams District Council to ensure that the Parish Council receives an update on relevant enforcement matters within the Parish.

105:25 MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 3rd November 2025
were resolved unanimously as a true and correct record with the following amendments:

a. Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Lange seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the words ‘which are their own viewpoints’ should be added to line 1 of minute 87:25 to make it explicit that these are the views of those making the public comment so that the minutes will read: The key points raised by the four parishioners, which are their own viewpoints, are as follows.

b. Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Sutton seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the word including in line 2 of minute 94:25 c should be changed to ‘specifically’ to add further clarity so that the minutes will read: …together with all other relevant factors specifically highway safety and the private ownership of the proposed site.

c. Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Osborne seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the words ‘by South Hams District Council’ should be added to line 7 of minute 94:25 c after …very unlikely that planning permission would be granted. This will make it clear that South Hams District Council is the local planning authority so that the minutes will read: …very unlikely that planning permission would be granted by South Hams District Council.

106:25 PLANNING

a. Applications (for resolution): None

b. Decisions (for information only): None

c. Tree Works (for information only): Tree Wardens will comment

i. 3305/25/TCA Carlane House, Carr Lane, Slapton, TQ7 2PU
T3: Prunus Sp – Remove deadwood and abnormal proliferation growths
T4: Plum – Remove to allow construction of greenhouse
T5: Camellia – Remove to allow construction of greenhouse
T6: Ilex aquafolia – Crown height reduction by 3mtrs to try to improve form and to increase light to understory
T7: Mountain Ash – Remove to allow construction of greenhouse
T8: 3 x Camellia – Remove to allow construction of greenhouse
T9: Clerodendron – Remove to allow construction of greenhouse
T11: Tulip – Remove deadwood
T12: Magnolia grandiflora – Remove 1 x lowest limb over neighbours & Crown lift limbs over roof to give 1 metre clearance due to overhanging neighbours property
T13: Hazel – Coppice to ground level to increase light to area and allow for replanting and Hazel regrowth
T15: Maple – Remove deadwood & Crown lift to 3 metres to increase light to area and allow for replanting
T20: Hazel/Holly Hedge – Coppice to ground level due to overgrown hedge, thinning in bottom, poor low level screening value. Coppicing will increase light to area and allow for replanting and hedge regrowth

ii. 3352/25/TPO Kippax, 2 Chantry Hill, Slapton, TQ7 2QY
T1: Ash – remove, dieback present, losing limbs, ivy infestation
T2: Poplar – crown reduce by 3m overall, growing through T1

d. Withdrawn: None

107:25 MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION

a. Bus shelter – Greenbanks: Cllr Osborne proposed, Cllr Harris seconded and it was resolved unanimously to explore the viability of a bus shelter within Greenbanks itself so this matter should be added to the next agenda. Clerk to action.

108:25 PROPOSALS FOR DISCUSSION AND RESOLUTION

a. Internal audit: Cllr Sutton proposed, Cllr Lange seconded and it was resolved unanimously to appoint Devon Audit Partnership as the Parish Council’s internal auditors for year end 2025-26. Clerk to action.

b. Buddleholes: A brief discussion took place regarding the findings of the recent inspection of the buddleholes. Members noted their important role in reducing the amount of water entering the village and agreed that they required urgent clearance by a digger due to the recent heavy rainfall and further rain forecast ahead of the village clean.

Cllr Harris offered to remove any mud excavated by a digger on a voluntary basis. However, the Clerk advised that, as the Parish Council has a budget allocation of £600.00 for clearance of buddleholes and additional unringfenced funds in reserve, Cllr Harris could be reimbursed for his time at the Road Warden rate of £25.00 per hour. It was also noted that he had already undertaken seven hours of ditch maintenance for the Parish Council at no cost. As a result, Cllr Harris declared a financial interest in the matter, took no part in further discussions and did not vote.

Cllr Lange proposed, Cllr Osborne seconded and it was resolved unanimously that a digger and driver be hired for one day at an estimated cost of approximately £360.00 and that Cllr Harris be reimbursed at £25.00 per hour for removing the mud excavated. Cllr Harris did not vote. Clerk to action.

It was noted that clearance of the buddleholes at Start needs to be done but that this may not be achievable within the same day. As such, separate arrangements will need to be made for this to be carried out early in the new year.

c. Allotments: The Parish Council has received three written expressions of interest in an allotment within the Parish and one written expression of interest to possibly share an allotment or for a small allotment space. Given the lack of interest expressed, Cllr Sutton proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the provision of allotments would not be progressed.

109:25 CLERK’S REPORT: Verbal update from Clerk on any matters arising since November’s PC meeting.

a. Email regarding foot-sized hole in recreation field causing a trip hazard: The Clerk has filled this and replied to thank the parishioner for bringing it to the Parish Council’s attention.

b. Email regarding the poor condition of the buddleholes and amount of water entering the village: The Clerk has replied and confirmed that the matter was already on the agenda for December’s meeting, that action will hopefully be taken shortly to remedy the issues and thanked the parishioner for their help and support managing the situation near their own property.

c. Verbal notification from a parishioner regarding the number of leaves at the top of Prospect Hill: The Clerk noted that there are piles of leaves from the top of Prospect Hill down to Prospect Cottage that need removing. The Clerk has advised the parishioner that the Road Warden has been asked if they would be able to blow leaves from the edges ahead of the village clean so that these leaves can be picked up by the road sweeper next week.

d. Defibrillator awareness training: The trainer is unwell and not responding to emails so the defibrillator awareness training is unlikely to go ahead, but the Clerk will contact South West Ambulance Service directly tomorrow to confirm this. Clerk to action.

e. The Clerk updated Cllrs on their hours and holiday taken/remaining entitlement.

110:25 CHAIR’S REPORT: Verbal update from Chair on any matters arising since November’s PC meeting.

a. Cllr Staines: Cllr Staines has resigned from his roles as Cllr due to ill-health effective immediately. Cllr Abbey has written to Cllr Staines on behalf of the Parish Council to thank him for his support and his service to the Parish over the years. He will be sadly missed but it is completely understandable that he must focus on making a full recovery. The Clerk has already notified South Hams District Council’s elections team and will post notice of a casual vacancy tomorrow. Clerk to action.

b. Door to door salesmen: Reports of a door to door salesman in the village have been received. Residents to be advised that no purchases should be made from door to door salesmen unless they have a certificate from the Chief Constable for Devon and Cornwall. If they do not, then they should be reported to the police.

c. Inland roads: Cllrs Abbey and Osborne have conducted a survey of the entirety of Five-Mile Lane. Cllr Abbey has uploaded the photos and locations onto the interactive map, set up by the SLP Adaptation Manager, ahead of Cllr Brazil’s visit with DCC Highways. Lipton Farm is on the Parish boundary and the areas with most issues are beyond the Parish boundary. These have also been reported by Cllr Abbey.

d. Slapton Line Partnership: The working party groups have been confirmed as: Inland Routes; A379 Coastal; Amenities; Economics and Funding; and Business and Tourism. Cllr Abbey has put her name down to participate in all working party groups initially and Cllr Sutton has signed up to attend three.

e. FSC conference: Cllr Abbey attended the conference as she was keen to listen to the presentation on water quality, however, this presentation was virtual so it was difficult to follow. She did learn that the Wild Planet Trust is involved in the creation of seagrass meadows, which can offer natural coastal protection. Cllr Abbey intends to find out more about this. Cllr Abbey to action.

f. Police surgery: This is scheduled for Tuesday 9th December, which is the same day as the village clean. The Clerk will put more posters up tomorrow. Cllr Abbey will attend.

111:25 COUNCILLOR REPORTS

a. Cllr Sutton confirmed that Police and Crime Commissioners will be abolished as of 2028. The role of overseeing the police force will fall to an elected Mayor or in the absence of an elected Mayor to the Head of the Council.

b. Cllr Osborne reported that 20 parishioners attended the Community Café earlier in the day and there was a very positive atmosphere.

112:25 REVIEW OF ACTION LOG: There are no pending actions/actions requiring a status update from Cllrs.

113:25 FINANCIAL MATTERS

a. Payments to approve: Cllr Osborne proposed, Cllr Lange seconded and it was resolved unanimously to make the payments below, which have been examined, verified and certified by the Clerk and RFO.

 

Payment no	Details of payment	Amount	Paid for noting
PAY82	SERVICE CHARGES REF: 469894552	4.25	Paid
DD83	Amazon: 50 coffee capsules x 2 for Community Cafe. Invoice no GB50006BTT7N851, dated 19.11.25	60.00	Paid
DD84	Amazon: 50 decaf coffee capsules for Community Cafe. Invoice no GB50006BET7N851, dated 19.11.25	28.45	Paid
DD85	Amazon: 300 napkins for Community Cafe. Invoice no GB-2025-649777558, dated 19.11.25	10.99 9.16 + 1.83 VAT	Paid
DD86	Amazon: Jigsaw board for Community Cafe. Invoice no GB5958PFDAEUI, dated 20.11.25	25.00 20.83 + 4.17 VAT	Paid
87	Village Hall: October PC meeting. Invoice no C111096/25	20.00
88	Parish Online: Mapping software. Invoice no 18UG043-0011, dated 10.11.25	48.00 40.00 + 8.00 VAT
89	Royal British Legion: Wreath. Invoice no/order no 31322268, dated 05.11.25	20.00 16.77 + 3.33 VAT
90	Nick Mathias: Road warden November. Invoice no 2191/26, dated 29.11.25	371.15
91	SLCC membership. Invoice no MEM256051-1, dated 01.12.25	150.00
DD92	VC Warehouse: Nov phone. Invoice no 1016403, dated 01.12.25	11.94 9.95 + 1.99 VAT
93	B Moor: Clerk’s salary Nov 2025 plus £24.00 WFH allowance	845.20
94	Woolston Accounts: Nov payroll. Invoice no INV-0999, dated 08.12 .25	20.00

 

b. Balance at bank

Balance as per bank statements on 25.11.25	Amount GBP
Community Account	18,027.04
Commercial Instant Access Account	13,755.52
Total	31,782.56

 

c. Receipts summary

Receipts as per bank statements on 25.11.25	Amount GBP
Community Account	0.00
Commercial Instant Access Account November interest	7.23
Total	7.23

 

The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on
Monday 5^th January 2026 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.

 

Signed:                                                                                                Date: