Council Meeting – 2nd February 2026
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 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 2nd February 2026, 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 in relation to a matter on the agenda, please contact the clerk by email clerk@slaptonparishcouncil-devon.gov.uk 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
AGENDA
1) APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: The PC has already received apologies for absence from Cllr J. Brazil and Cllr I. Mitchelmore. Does the PC resolve to accept the reasons for 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) DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT
a. Cllr L. Lawford
5) MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 5th January 2026, if agreed, to be signed by the Chair as a true and correct record. (See separate document 5).
6) PLANNING
a. Applications (for resolution):
i. 0095/26/VAR 8 Chantry Hill Slapton TQ7 2QY
Application for variation of condition 2 (Approved Plans) of planning consent 0629/25/HHO – Proposed side extension and remodelling of existing dwelling.
PC to comment by 19.02.26
b. Decisions (for information):
i. 3659/25/TPO Homeleigh, Wood Lane, Slapton, TQ7 2QX
T1: Beech tree (Fagus sylvatica) – Reduce whole crown by to previous pruning points on east, west,
north and south sides of crown. Tree has more vicious re growth in a north easterly direction over house, reduce by 3-4 meters on north east side of crown (over house) & reduce remaining crown by 2-3 meters. All to previous pruning points to increase light levels in house and to garden.
T2: Yew (Taxus baccata) – Reduce whole crown, north, south, east and west by approximately 1.5m due to becoming over dominant in small garden.
SHDC decision: Granted with conditional consent
c. Tree Works (for information): Referred to Tree Wardens
i. 096/26/TPO Kippax 2 Chantry Hill Slapton TQ7 2QY
T1: Ash – remove, cavities and decay present, suspected Dieback, Ivy infestation, risk of failure onto property. T2: Poplar – crown reduce by 3m overall, bifurcating limbs, codependent limbs, risk of failure.
Tree wardens to comment by 13.02.26
d. Withdrawn: None
7) MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION
a. Recreation field: Consider whether any further actions concerning the recreation field are required.
8) PROPOSALS FOR DISCUSSION AND RESOLUTION
a. Appointment of Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer: Consider appointment of new Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer.
b. IT policy (new statutory requirement): Approve IT policy (see separate document 8b).
9) CLERK’S REPORT: Update from Clerk on matters arising since January’s PC meeting (see separate document 9).
10) CHAIR’S REPORT: Update from Chair on matters arising since January’s PC meeting to include the following:
a. A379 Slapton Line – Storm damage
11) COUNCILLOR REPORTS: Update from Cllrs on matters arising since January’s PC meeting to include the following:
a. Cllr Sutton: OPPC
b. Cllr Harris: Dittiscombe flooding
12) REVIEW OF ACTION LOG: Status update (see separate document 12).
13) 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 13a).
| Payment no | Details of payment | Amount GBP | Paid for noting |
| VISA107 | Amazon: 2x packs of 3 Box Files (for filing audit records dating from 2011). Invoice no GB6008JZH24CJI, dated 19.01.26 | 27.98 | Paid |
| 108 | SERVICE CHARGESREF: 474610667 | 4.25 | Paid |
| 109 | DALC: Being a Good Cllr 1, Tracey Fletcher. Invoice no 7124, dated 29.01.26 | 18.00
15.00 + 3.00 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 26.01.26 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account | 12,498.27 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account | 14,344.39 |
| Total | 26,842.66 |
c. Receipts summary
| Receipts as per bank statements on 26.01.26 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account (3rd quarter VAT refund claim) | 413.35 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account
January interest |
7.13 |
| Total | 420.48 |
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on
Monday 2nd March 2026 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Hall (main hall).
Signed: Bella Moor, Clerk Date: 26.01.26
Draft Minutes
Those in attendance: Cllr J. Abbey (Chair), Cllr T. Fletcher, Cllr J. Harris, Cllr S. Lange, Cllr P. Osborne, Cllr G. Sutton and Cllr L. Lawford (arrived at 7.00 pm and left at 7.30 pm).
One member of the public was in attendance (arrived 7.00 pm and left at 7.45 pm).
126:25 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: The Parish Council resolved unanimously to accept the reasons for the apologies from Cllr I. Mitchelmore and Cllr I. Luscombe. They also acknowledged apologies from Cllr J. Brazil.
127:25 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Cllr J. Harris declared an interest in matters relating to flooding at Dittiscombe as he may be able to help to resolve this issue but his time would be chargeable. It was agreed that he could be involved in discussions as he has first-hand knowledge of the situation but that he would not vote on any resolutions.
128:25 MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 5th January 2026 were agreed and signed by the Chair as a true and correct record.
129:25 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT: Cllr L. Lawford
a. Torcross and A379 Slapton Line: Cllr Lawford expressed her sympathy for those impacted. She confirmed that both Cllr Brazil and Caroline Voaden MP have written to the environment minister requesting funding from government for cleanup and repairs following the storm damage to Torcross and the A379 Slapton Line. Cllr Lawford agreed with Cllr Abbey, who expressed disappointment in the lack of communication from Devon County Council (DCC) and DCC Highways, and confirmed that she is in a similar situation. Cllr Osborne added that DCC should be following an emergency plan in this type of situation and this should specify clear, regular communications (at least 24-hour updates) to affected District and Parish Councils. Cllr Osborne also confirmed that parishioners in Slapton have started a Facebook account ‘Slapton Live’, which provides a means of communicating updates.
b. Car parking charges: These have been frozen for locals and will be going up in line with inflation for visitors. Locals need to renew and should receive an email notifying them to do so.
c. Local government reorganisation: Councils are likely to receive a response to the proposals submitted to government by June.
130:25 PLANNING
a. Applications (for resolution):
i. 0095/26/VAR 8 Chantry Hill Slapton TQ7 2QY
Application for variation of condition 2 (Approved Plans) of planning consent 0629/25/HHO – Proposed side extension and remodelling of existing dwelling.
Cllr Lange proposed, Cllr Sutton seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the PC has no comment to make on this application. Clerk to action.
131:25 MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION
a. Recreation Field: It was agreed that no further action would be taken in relation to proposals for levelling the ground at the Recreation Field.
132:25 PROPOSALS FOR DISCUSSION AND RESOLUTION
a. Recruitment of new Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer (RFO): Cllr Osborne proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously to appoint Hannah Iles as new Clerk and RFO for Slapton Parish Council subject to satisfactory references and the necessary employment checks. The contract for the new Clerk and RFO was also agreed unanimously and it was resolved that this could be signed by the Chair on behalf of the Parish Council.
b. IT policy: Cllr Lange proposed, Cllr Sutton seconded and it was resolved unanimously to adopt the IT Acceptable Use Policy. All Cllrs present signed to confirm that they would adhere to the policy.
133:25 CLERK’S REPORT: Written update from Clerk on any matters arising since January’s PC meeting (see separate report issued with the agenda).
134:25 CHAIR’S REPORT: Update from Chair on any matters arising since January’s PC meeting.
a. Torcross and A379 Slapton Line: Since the storm damage, the Chair has been in contact with Caroline Voaden MP, Cllr Brazil, Cllr Lawford, Natural England and Dan Field (South Hams District Council). The next Slapton Line Partnership meeting has been cancelled and the Chair has raised concerns over this with Dan Field. Parishioners have also contacted the Chair about the partial closure of the A379 Slapton Line.
b. Flooding: Flooding at Deerbridge has been reported to Highways. The Chair has also spoken to Alan Martin (DCC Highways Engineering Officer), who reported that Highways have no prior knowledge of flooding at this location (despite it having been reported for years to DCC Highways and the Neighbourhood Highways Officer being aware of the ongoing issue every winter). The Chair has also asked for assistance from Caroline Voaden MP’s assistant to support action over flooding at Deerbridge and just beyond Higher Cross (Prospect Hil/). The flooding at Deerbridge has now dissipated and was likely linked to the weir at Torcross being blocked with shingle.
c. Impact of partial closure of A379 on parishioners: The Chair thanked Cllr Osborne for checking on the well-being of many parishioners. The emergency plan will need updated considering latest information. Clerk to action.
d. Playpark at Greenbanks: In August 2025, the Chair reported a broken gate at the playpark and followed this up by email in November 2025. South Hams District Council has still not repaired the gate so she has emailed SHDC again this week.
e. Laptop: The Chair reported that her laptop screen has separated and that repair is required as it is currently unusable.
135:25 COUNCILLOR REPORTS
a. Cllr Sutton reported that the Neighbourhood Police Team had been short staffed, but has now recruited additional officers. Cllr Osborne thanked Cllr Sutton for circulating OPPC updates to Cllrs.
b. Cllr Harris reported that some emergency works had been carried out to resolve the flooding between Alston and Dittiscombe by Handzon on behalf of the landowner but that some silt/earth still needed to be removed, that further works to clear the ditch may be necessary and that he would be willing to do this but would need to charge for his time at the same rate as the Road Warden. Cllr Harris suggested that buddle holes and ditches in the Parish should be cleared by digger biannually and that this should be budgeted for moving forward – a budget of approximately £1,000 would be required. Cllr Harris also reported that a soakaway might be necessary to minimise flooding just beyond Dearswell and noted that the flooding had now dissipated thanks to works already conducted by adjacent landowners. Cllr Harris and the Chair confirmed that flooding beyond Higher Cross was due to a burst water pipe and that this has been reported by parishioners to South West Water. The Clerk confirmed that this would also be reported immediately after the meeting on behalf of the PC and urgent action would be requested. Clerk to action.
c. Cllr Osborne reported that the footpath from the bus shelter to the park and walk was muddy and requires resurfacing. He also reported that the footpath from the campsite to the junction with the A379 was muddy. The Clerk confirmed that both are the responsibility of DCC Highways and that the path from the campsite to the A379 was resurfaced < 4 years ago so DCC Highways are unlikely to fund additional resurfacing of this stretch of footpath at this time. However, Cllrs agreed that the PC would be able to tackle the stretch of footpath from the bus shelter to the foot and that this would be added to the next agenda for resolution. In the meantime, Cllr Lange agreed to investigate a free source of scalpings and costs of compactor hire. Cllr Lange to action.
136:25 REVIEW OF ACTION LOG: No actions required a status update.
137:25 FINANCIAL MATTERS
a. Payments to approve: Cllr Osborne proposed, Cllr Lange seconded and it was resolved to approve the payments below, which have been examined, verified and certified by the Clerk and RFO. Clerk to action payments.
| Payment no | Details of payment | Amount GBP | Paid for noting |
| VISA107 | Amazon: 2x packs of 3 Box Files (for filing audit records dating from 2011). Invoice no GB6008JZH24CJI, dated 19.01.26 | 27.98 | Paid |
| 108 | SERVICE CHARGESREF: 474610667 | 4.25 | Paid |
| 109 | DALC: Being a Good Cllr 1, Tracey Fletcher. Invoice no 7124, dated 29.01.26 | 18.00
15.00 + 3.00 VAT |
|
| 110 | B Moor: Clerk’s salary Jan 2026 plus £24.00 WFH allowance | 845.20 | |
| 111 | Woolston Accounts: Jan payroll. Invoice no INV-1065, dated 31.01.26 | 20.00 | |
| DD112 | VC Warehouse: Jan phone. Invoice no 1016694, dated 01.02.26 | 11.94
9.95 + 1.99 VAT |
b. Additional authorised payments: The following spend was also agreed unanimously by all Cllrs voting.
i. Up to £400.00 to be paid to the Road Warden for January’s Road Warden work before the next full council meeting as not all works have been conducted (due to poor weather) and the invoice for ‘January’s’ work has not yet been received.
ii. Up to £300.00 for repair of the Chair’s laptop. Chair to action.
Cllr Abbey did not vote on additional payment b ii as the Chair’s laptop belongs to her.
c. Additional emergency spending to resolve flooding issues: The following spend was also agreed unanimously by all Cllrs voting:
i. Up to £400.00 to resolve flooding between Alston and Dittiscombe.
ii. Up to £250.00 to resolve flooding near Dearswell.
Cllr Harris to liaise with landowners and Trevor Hallet regarding works in both locations. Cllr Harris to action.
Cllr Harris did not vote on these additional payments as he may be able to help resolve some of the issues but his time would be chargeable at £25.00 per hour.
d. Balance at bank
| Balance as per bank statements on 26.01.26 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account | 12,498.27 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account | 14,344.39 |
| Total | 26,842.66 |
e. Receipts summary
| Receipts as per bank statements on 26.01.26 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account (3rd quarter VAT refund claim) | 413.35 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account
January interest |
7.13 |
| Total | 420.48 |
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on
Monday 2nd March 2026 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Hall (main hall).
