Council Meeting – 1st September 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 1st September 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 7th July 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. 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.
PC comment: To be submitted by 26th September
b. Decisions (for information only)
i. 1337/25/PDM Land at SX 804 470 (Dearswell)
Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed change of use of agricultural buildings/barns to 1No dwellinghouse (class C3) & for associated development (Class Q (a+b))
SHDC decision: Prior approval required and given
ii. 1690/25/FUL Land At Sx 810 464 (Lea Valley), Slapton
Retrospective application to regularise existing stable building. Application for new stable block, change of use of land to equestrian to allow livery use, & construction of horse lunge pen, erection of WC building, & access improvement
SHDC decision: Conditional approval
c. Tree Works (for information only)
i. 1714/25/TPO 6 Chantry Hill Slapton TQ7 2QY
T1: Beech – Crown reduction works: To be reduced in height by up to 2-3m, Northern aspect of canopy to be reduced by up 2m, Eastern aspect of canopy to be reduced by up 2m, Western aspect of canopy to be reduced by up 2m, Southern aspect of canopy to be reduced by up 1m, Crown lifted to achieve 2-3m clearance from ground level Pre Pruning Dimensions: H. 20m, W.14m, Post Pruning Dimension: H.17.5m, W.10m Site Address: Reasons: Tree is really over powering property, long over extended branches through canopy, reducing end weight to reduce risk of branch failure
SHDC decision: Refusal of consent with agreed lesser works
d. Withdrawn: None
8) MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION
a. Cllr Roles and Governance: Review tasks to identify and fill any gaps – see document (8a)
b. Emergency Plan: Review effectiveness to identify areas that need improvement or confirm it is fit for purpose – final Emergency Plan emailed to Cllrs
c. Greenbanks bus shelter: Discuss possible actions or recommendations and how these should be communicated to residents at Greenbanks – see separate document (8c)
d. Allotments: Initial discussion about possible future provision and management – see separate document (8d)
e. Slapton Line Partnership: Feedback following meeting with Adaptation Manager, Lou Hoskin, and discussion of proposed actions or recommendations – summary emailed to Cllrs
9) PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION
a. Sandbags: Does the PC wish to order sandbags? – see Clerk’s report
b. Community grants: Does the PC approve the community grant notice? – see separate document (9b)
c. Land registration: Does the PC wish to formally register three small parcels of public land? – see Clerk’s report
10) CLERK’S REPORT: Update from Clerk on any matters arising since the July PC meeting – see separate document (10)
11) CHAIR’S REPORT: Verbal update from Chair on any matters arising since the July PC meeting
12) COUNCILLOR REPORTS
a. Verbal 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 (13a)
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 |
| Visa45 | Amazon: Heavy-duty Garden Waste Bags – 272L x 3 Pack for Road Warden. Invoice no GB55RWQ4BAEUI, dated 30.07.25 | 11.99
9.99 + 2.00 VAT |
Paid |
| 46 | Nick Mathias: Grass cutting July – full cut of everything. Invoice no 2098/26, dated 30.07.25 | 496.46 | Paid |
| 47 | Nick Mathias: Road warden July. Invoice no 2079/26, dated 30.07.25 | 366.92 | Paid |
| 48 | B Moor: Clerk’s salary July 2025 plus £24.00 WFH allowance | 845.20 | Paid |
| 49 | Woolston Accounts: Ju payroll. Invoice no INV-0866, dated 01.08.25 | 20.00 | Paid |
| DD50 | VC Warehouse: June phone. Invoice no 1015827, dated 01.08.25 | 11.94
9.95 + 1.99 VAT |
Paid |
| PAY51 | SERVICE CHARGESREF: 459971469 dated 15.07.25 | 4.25 | Paid |
| VISA52 | SLOANE AND SONS, bench plaque. Invoice no 187253/01, dated 04.08.25 | 50.00
41.67 + 8.33 VAT |
Paid |
| PAY53 | SERVICE CHARGESREF: 462321858 dated 18.08.25 | 4.25 | Paid |
| 54 | Village Hall: July PC meeting 7th and SLP meeting 21st. Invoice no C081054/25, dated 05.08.25 | 30.00 | |
| 55 | PKF External Audit. Invoice no SB20250606, dated 11.08.25 | 252.00
210.00 + 42.00 VAT |
*Additional invoices received after agenda issued will be available for review at the meeting
b. Balance at bank
| Balance as per bank statements on 25.08.25 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account | 8,967.32 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account | 13,733.91 |
| Total | 22,701.23 |
c. Receipts summary
| Receipts as per bank statements on 25.08.25 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account | 0 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account (interest)
July interest £7.89 August interest £8.69 |
16.58 |
| Total | 16.58 |
d. External audit: Completed and no recommendations – see separate document (14d)
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on
Monday 6th October 2025 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.
Signed: Bella Moor, Clerk Date: 25.08.25
MINUTES
Those in attendance: Cllr J. Abbey, Cllr I. Mitchelmore, Cllr J. Harris, Cllr S. Lange, Cllr I. Luscombe (arrived 7.15pm), Cllr P. Osborne and Cllr G. Sutton.
Cllr J. Brazil (7.35pm to 8.00pm)
No members of the public were in attendance.
59:25 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: The PC resolved to accept the apologies and reasons for absence from Cllr Laurel Lawford. No apologies have been received from Cllr Staines although the PC is aware that this is due to ill health.
60:25 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr Lange declared an interest in planning application 2444/25/HHO (Home Farm, Wood Lane, Slapton, TQ7 2QX) as the application refers to a property that overlooks his own property. It was resolved that Cllr Lange would remain in the meeting during discussions but that he would not vote on any resolutions.
61:25 PUBLIC COMMENT: None
62:25 POLICE REPORT: None
63:25 COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
a. Cllr J. Brazil
i. District issues: Cllr Brazil asked for feedback on any issues regarding parking, rubbish and litter etc. over the summer. The PC reported problems with oversized vehicles in the village and shared some photographs and an email from a parishioner detailing damage to property. Cllr Brazil will discuss the issue further with Highways to determine if official ‘Don’t follow your Satnav’ signage might be a possibility and to establish whether Highways can liaise with Satnav companies/apps to ensure width restrictions are taken into consideration when route planning.
ii. Highways: Contracts for highway maintenance are being revised and renewed. Pilots of changes to pothole repair procedures are underway across Devon. During the pilots, all potholes in a particular location will be repaired and not just those meeting ‘safety’ criteria. Protocols for how Highways communicate with communities, including Parish Councils, will be drawn up to improve communication and change the culture within Highways.
iii. Devon County Council (DCC): There will be a full county council meeting on Thursday 4th September to ratify the strategic plan.
iv. Devolution: Consultation is underway regarding Devon’s future. Public events have been scheduled across South Hams. Cllr Abbey confirmed that she will be attending one. There is not yet agreement about the structure for local government reorganisations but proposals will be submitted to the Government at the end of November.
v. St George Crosses: DCC are not removing graffiti unless it poses a safety issue.
vi. Slapton Line Partnership: The next meeting will be Friday 24th October.
64:25 MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON Monday 7th July 2025, were agreed and signed by the Chair as a true and correct record.
65:25 PLANNING
a. Applications (for resolution)
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.
PC comment: Cllr Mitchelmore proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously to submit no comment. Cllr Lange did not vote. Clerk to action.
b. Decisions (for information only)
i. 1337/25/PDM Land at SX 804 470 (Dearswell)
Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed change of use of agricultural buildings/barns to 1No dwellinghouse (class C3) & for associated development (Class Q (a+b))
SHDC decision: Prior approval required and given
ii. 1690/25/FUL Land At Sx 810 464 (Lea Valley), Slapton
Retrospective application to regularise existing stable building. Application for new stable block, change of use of land to equestrian to allow livery use, & construction of horse lunge pen, erection of WC building & access improvement
SHDC decision: Conditional approval
c. Tree Works (for information only)
a. 1714/25/TPO 6 Chantry Hill Slapton TQ7 2QY
T1: Beech – Crown reduction works: To be reduced in height by up to 2-3m, Northern aspect of canopy to be reduced by up 2m, Eastern aspect of canopy to be reduced by up 2m, Western aspect of canopy to be reduced by up 2m, Southern aspect of canopy to be reduced by up 1m, Crown lifted to achieve 2-3m clearance from ground level Pre Pruning Dimensions: H. 20m, W.14m, Post Pruning Dimension: H.17.5m, W.10m Site Address: Reasons: Tree is really over powering property, long over extended branches through canopy, reducing end weight to reduce risk of branch failure
SHDC decision: Refusal of consent with agreed lesser works
d. Withdrawn: None
66:25 MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION
a. Cllr Roles and Governance: Tasks were reviewed and any gaps filled. The document will be updated accordingly and shared with Cllrs. Clerk to action.
b. Emergency Plan: There was discussion about the effectiveness of the Emergency Plan during the recent water outage. It was agreed this was an unusual situation due to the uncertainty about how long the outage might last and the Coordination Team could not anticipate at the outset that it might become an emergency. As such, the Emergency Plan was not enacted until about 7.00 pm. There was discussion about whose responsibility it is to enact the Emergency Plan. The Clerk explained that this has been set out in the plan itself. It was agreed that the Deputy Coordinators could enact the plan in the absence of the Coordinator (as can any member of the Emergency Coordination Team) and that Mandy Mitchelmore should also be added as a Deputy Coordinator. Clerk to action.
There was confirmation that vulnerable parishioners were checked on by Cllr Ian Mitchelmore, Mandy Mitchelmore and the Clerk. The Clerk thanked Mandy for her support. It was agreed that all members of the Emergency Coordination Team should have hard copies of the plan made available to them. Clerk to action.
c. Greenbanks bus shelter: The PC considered the actions taken so far and briefly discussed possible next steps. It was agreed that the summary of actions should be shared with Paula Hounslow and Kyllie Willis and that they should be invited to share their thoughts with the PC. Cllrs Abbey, Osborne and Sutton said they would be happy to meet with them and could be available on Tuesday 23rd September. Clerk to arrange.
d. Allotments: Cllr Osborne explained that three parishioners had mentioned they might be interested in an allotment if they were available. Cllr Lange also stated that he would like an allotment. There was a brief discussion about why parishioners with large gardens might want an allotment (i.e. for the social aspects) and it was agreed that the PC should find out what level of interest exists before further consideration is given. Cllr Abbey will note this in her Chair’s report for the Slapton Lines Magazine and the Clerk will post notices on the website and notice boards. It was also agreed that any interested parishioners should contact the clerk by email by the end of November. Cllr Abbey and Clerk to action.
e. Slapton Line Partnership: Cllrs Abbey and Osborne met with Lou Hoskins (new SLP Adaptation Manager) in August. Cllr Abbey reported that Lou Hoskins has met with all SLP stakeholders and has summarised their concerns.
Cllrs Abbey and Osborne also met with Caroline Voaden MP at her surgery in the car park of the Village Hall. Caroline Voaden explained that she understood money might be available from Government for road repairs but not for any sea defences. It was agreed that Cllr Abbey would send a follow up email to Caroline Voaden. Cllr Abbey to action.
Cllr Abbey noted that an EA principal advisor had been on the Today programme recently and the matter of the A379 Slapton Line had been mentioned. It was agreed the Cllr Abbey would email the EA regarding the compelling case for considering a change to the shoreline management plan and additional sea defences under ‘Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest’. Cllr Abbey to action.
67:25 PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION
a. Sandbags: Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Lange seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the PC should order a pallet of sandbags. Clerk to action. Cllr Mitchelmore to check if these can be stored at Poole Farm.
b. Community grants: Cllr Lange proposed, Cllr Sutton seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the community grant notice. Notice to be displayed on website and noticeboards. Clerk to action.
c. Land registration: Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Osborne seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the PC does wish to formally register three small parcels of public land to preserve their use for the whole community. Clerk to action.
68:25 CLERK’S REPORT: See separate document (10).
a. There was discussion about the information in the Clerk’s report regarding the outstanding payment of the 2024-25 P3 Scheme grant and agreement that the Clerk should submit a complaint. Clerk to action.
69:25 CHAIR’S REPORT: Verbal update from Chair on matters arising since the July PC meeting:
a. Devolution: Cllr Abbey has booked a place at the Shaping Devon’s Future event at the Flavel, Dartmouth in September.
b. National Landscapes: Cllr Abbey attended the most recent National Landscapes Parish Cluster Meeting, where the focus was on the review of the management plan and future priorities, which include farming in protected landscapes and life on the edge projects, amongst others.
c. Oversized vehicles and other traffic problems: Cllr Abbey is keeping a log of photos of problems on roads to share with Lou Hoskins (Slapton Line Partnership Adaptation Manager) and Highways. Please could all Cllrs collect and share photo evidence with her. Cllr Abbey also shared an email from a parishioner outlining their concerns about oversized vehicles entering the village, in particular a vehicle that caused damage to Tithe Cottage.
d. Age UK stickers: Cllr Abbey has received free ‘no cold calling’ stickers and stickers that go inside the door to remind residents what to do if unknown people call at the door.
e. Green Banks play park: A parishioner reported that the gate at the play park was broken and Cllr Abbey has reported it to SHDC.
f. Thanks: Cllr Osborne led the Cllrs in thanking Cllr Abbey for all the work she does behind the scenes.
70:25 COUNCILLOR REPORTS
a. OPCC: Cllr Sutton shared that there had been no incidents in the parish, which he was aware of, that required reporting to the Neighbourhood Police Team, and he had nothing of particular interest to report from the OPCC. He confirmed that he will email the Neighbourhood Police Team again after Dartmouth Regatta (when they are likely to have more time) regarding speeding along the line. He also confirmed that he will share notifications from the CCO directly with Cllrs via email.
b. Caroline Voaden MP Slapton Surgery: Cllr Osborne raised that there was an issue with Caroline Voaden’s surgery in Slapton, which was scheduled to take place in the Village Hall car park (as per the posters). Unfortunately, many parishioners missed the opportunity to speak with her because they had waited inside the Village Hall (which was open) rather than in the car park itself. As the surgery was on a first come first served basis, those who waited patiently inside were unable to speak with her, as the surgery had finished before they realised she was outside. Cllr Osborne was not aware of this issue at the time. If he had known, he would have of course redirected all those waiting in the Village Hall to the car park.
71:25 REVIEW OF ACTION LOG: No actions required a status update.
72:25 FINANCIAL MATTERS
a. Payments to approve: Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Mitchelmore seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the payments below, which have been examined, verified and certified by the Clerk and RFO.
| Payment no | Details of payment | Amount | Paid for noting |
| Visa45 | Amazon: Heavy-duty Garden Waste Bags – 272L x 3 Pack for Road Warden. Invoice no GB55RWQ4BAEUI, dated 30.07.25 | 11.99
9.99 + 2.00 VAT |
Paid |
| 46 | Nick Mathias: Grass cutting July – full cut of everything. Invoice no 2098/26, dated 30.07.25 | 496.46 | Paid |
| 47 | Nick Mathias: Road warden July. Invoice no 2079/26, dated 30.07.25 | 366.92 | Paid |
| 48 | B Moor: Clerk’s salary July 2025 plus £24.00 WFH allowance | 845.20 | Paid |
| 49 | Woolston Accounts: July payroll. Invoice no INV-0866, dated 01.08.25 | 20.00 | Paid |
| DD50 | VC Warehouse: June phone. Invoice no 1015827, dated 01.08.25 | 11.94
9.95 + 1.99 VAT |
Paid |
| PAY51 | SERVICE CHARGES REF: 459971469 dated 15.07.25 | 4.25 | Paid |
| VISA52 | SLOANE AND SONS, bench plaque. Invoice no 187253/01, dated 04.08.25 | 50.00
41.67 + 8.33 VAT |
Paid |
| PAY53 | SERVICE CHARGES REF: 462321858 dated 18.08.25 | 4.25 | Paid |
| 54 | Village Hall: July PC meeting 7th and SLP meeting 21st. Invoice no C081054/25, dated 05.08.25 | 30.00 | |
| 55 | PKF External Audit. Invoice no SB20250606, dated 11.08.25 | 252.00
210.00 + 42.00 VAT |
|
| 56 | Nick Mathias: Grass cutting August – full cut of everything. Invoice no 2115/26, dated 28.08.25 | 367.80 | |
| 57 | Nick Mathias: Road warden August. Invoice no 2127/26, dated 31.08.25 | 366.92 | |
| 58 | B Moor: Clerk’s salary August 2025 plus £24.00 WFH allowance | 845.20 | |
| 59 | Woolston Accounts: August payroll. Invoice no INV-0904, dated 01.09.25 | 20.00 |
b. Balance at bank
| Balance as per bank statements on 25.08.25 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account | 8,967.32 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account | 13,733.91 |
| Total | 22,701.23 |
c. Receipts summary
| Receipts as per bank statements on 25.08.25 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account | 0 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account (interest)
July interest £7.89 August interest £8.69 |
16.58 |
| Total | 16.58 |
d. External audit: The PC acknowledges receipt of the external audit report. Cllr Osborne thanked the Clerk for ensuring that the audit was completed successfully with no recommendations.
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on
Monday 6th October 2025 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.
Signed: Date:
