Council Meeting – 2nd June 2025

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

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

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday 2nd June 2025, at 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 apologies and reasons 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
i. Communication with DCC Highways

b. Cllr L. Lawford

6) MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 12th May 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. 1321/25/PAU Barn At Sx 803 474 Slapton
Application to determine if prior approval required for change of Agricultural Building to flexible commercial B2, B8, C1 or E Distribution Use (B8)
Comments by 03.06.25

ii. 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)).
Comments by 11.06.25

b. Decisions (for information only)

i. 1083/25/TPO 8 Chantry Hill Slapton TQ7 2QY
T1: London Plane – crown reduce, see report.
T2: Lime – crown reduce, see report. Trees have overgrown garden.
SHDC: Conditional approval

ii. 1120/25/TPO Higher Coltscombe Cottage Slapton TQ7 2QE
TPO 602: T1 – Common Beech – Fell in sections to near ground level. The base of the tree is completely hollow, and approximately 30% of the remaining sapwood is extensively decayed, resulting in a severe loss of structural integrity. The tree has a significant lean to the northeast, directly toward the garage/dwelling, posing a high risk to property and the safety of the client.
T2 – English Oak – Fell in sections to near ground level. This tree is situated atop a bank and exhibits a pronounced lean to NW towards the garage/dwelling. A large structural defect is visible along the main stem, extending approximately 4 metres up to the main union. The trunk sounds hollow when tested with a sounding mallet, and bark is peeling away from the rear of the main union, possible underlying decay.
T3 – English Oak – Reduce the SE spread by approximately 7 metres by removing one limb (maximum diameter cut: 250mm) to alleviate end-weight and reduce loading on the remaining structure. This tree is growing with a pronounced eastern lean from the top of a bank, overhanging the garage/dwelling.
T4 – Hawthorn – Fell to near ground level. The tree is interfering with a utility pole and overhead wire.
Reason for not replanting: The current locations of the trees proposed for removal are unsuitable for replanting. New trees have already been planted throughout the surrounding woodland, and further planting in this area may not be beneficial.
SHDC: Conditional approval

d. Tree Works (for information only) – Tree Wardens will assess and comment: None

e. Withdrawn (for information only): None

8) MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION

a. Councillor Roles and Responsibilities – see separate document (8a)

9) PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION

a. Ordinary meetings of the Parish Council: Will these remain on the first Monday of the month at 7.00 pm (except August), unless it is a bank holiday in which case they will be on the next Monday of the month?

b. Damage to bus shelter: What next steps would the PC like to take? – see Clerk’s report and separate document (9b)

c. BT telephone box: What consultation response would the PC like to make to SHDC? Would the PC like to adopt the phone box – if so, what might it be used for? – see separate document (9c)

d. Water quality – NNR and Slapton Ley: What questions/topics would the PC like raised by Cllr Lawford when the Environment Agency attend the Overview and Scrutiny meeting on Thursday 26th June 2025? The Environment Agency would like advance notice by Friday 6th June 2025.

e. Signage, Lighting and Guarding refresher training: DCC Highways has confirmed that the Road Warden needs to renew this training. DCC Highways will pay for the course, which is a one day course. Does the PC agree to pay for the Road Warden’s time to attend this training? – see separate document (9e)

f. Internal Audit: Does the PC have any comments or feedback on the Draft Internal Audit Report before it is finalised? – see separate document (9f)

g. Community Café winter 2025-26: Does the PC wish to proceed with the offer of a Community Café during winter 2025-26? If yes, staffing/volunteers, dates, timings and costs/funding to be discussed.

h. Lloyds Bank Charges – Does the PC wish to close the second Community Account (used for events only) to avoid unnecessary bank charges of £4.25 per month?

i. Lloyds Bank Charges – Does the PC wish to explore alternative banking providers that may offer Treasurers and Savings accounts with no monthly charges, in light of Lloyds Bank introducing a new fee of £4.25 per month on the Community Account (main account).

10) CLERK’S REPORT: Update from Clerk on any matters arising since May’s PC meeting – see separate document (10)

11) CHAIR’S REPORT: Verbal update from Chair on any matters arising since May’s 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 (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
Visa24	Amazon: HP Ink Cartridges. Invoice no GB53MEYVOAEUI, dated 17.05.25	91.39 76.16 + 15.23 VAT	Paid
Visa25	Amazon: HP Office A4 White Paper (1 box, 5 reams). Invoice no GB53M66P3AEUI, dated 17.05.25	21.24 17.70 + 3.54 VAT	Paid
PAY26	Community Acct: SERVICE CHARGES REF : 453914049, dated 19.05.25	4.25	Paid
27	Community First: annual insurance renewal (renewal date 1st June 2025)	317.58
28	Nick Mathias: Grass cutting May. Invoice no 2035/26, dated 26.05.25	373.44
29	B Moor: Clerk’s salary May 2025 plus £24.00 WFH allowance	845.20
Visa30	SHDC: Duty Planning Office Appointment – ref GE/29692, dated 27.05.25	45.00	Paid

NB: Additional invoices received between the issuing of the agenda and the meeting itself will be presented at the meeting.

b. Balance at Bank

Balance as per bank statements on 26.05.25	Amount GBP
Events Community Account	0
Community Account	14,666.67
Commercial Instant Access Account	13,708.68
Total	28,375.35

c. Receipts summary

Receipts as per bank statements on 26.05.25	Amount GBP
Events Community Account	0
Community Account	0
Commercial Instant Access Account (interest)	8.51
Total	8.51

d. Updates to reserves and transfers

£1,280.00 to add to operational reserves (as per agreed budget – minute ref: 136:24 a) was transferred on 26.05.25 from Community Acct to Commercial Instant Access (savings) Acct.

The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on
Monday 7th July 2025 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.

Signed: Bella Moor, Clerk 27th May 2025

DRAFT Minutes

Those in attendance: Cllr J. Abbey, Cllr I. Mitchelmore, Cllr P. Osborne, Cllr S. Lange, Cllr I. Luscombe and Cllr G. Sutton. Cllr J. Brazil arrived 7.00 pm and left 7.30 pm.

No members of the public were in attendance.

31:25 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: The PC resolved to accept the apologies and reasons for absence from Cllr C. Staines and Cllr L. Lawford. No apologies were received from Cllr J. Waters.

32:25 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None

33:25 PUBLIC COMMENT: None

34:25 POLICE REPORT: None

35:25 COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS

a. Cllr J. Brazil
i. The PC congratulated Cllr Brazil on his recent appointment as Leader of Devon County Council (DCC).

ii. Cllr Brazil outlined his three key priorities for DCC are:
• Children’s services
• Potholes
• Cultural change, with a focus on making the Council more outward-looking

iii. He reported that he had met with DCC Highways earlier in the day. While his preferred long-term solution is to bring Highways maintenance in-house, this requires further evaluation. If outsourcing continues, he expressed strong support for greater flexibility for Town and Parish Councils to undertake local works. He emphasised the need for DCC Highways to adopt a more outward-looking and communicative culture, particularly in its engagement with Parishes and communities. A review of existing Highways contracts and a cultural shift across DCC is underway and, although these changes will take time, there is a clear expectation that they will result in improvements. He noted that Neighbourhood Highways Officers will be expected to improve communication and recognise the contributions that Parish Councils can make.

iv. A key DCC meeting is scheduled for the end of June, where significant decisions are expected to be made.

v. Apologies were received from Cllr Brazil in advance for the July Parish Council meeting.

vi. He confirmed that the Memorial Car Park is now secured with a padlock.

b. Cllr L. Lawford – written report.

i. SHDC elected a new leader, Dan Thomas, and a new deputy leader, Simon Rake.

ii. Sarah Moody, Head of Waste, has resigned.

36:25 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 12th May 2025 were signed by the Chair as a true and correct record.

37:25 PLANNING

a. Applications (for resolution)
i. 1321/25/PAU Barn At Sx 803 474 Slapton
Application to determine if prior approval required for change of Agricultural Building to flexible commercial B2, B8, C1 or E Distribution Use (B8)
Comments by 03.06.25. Cllr Lange proposed, Cllr Mitchelmore seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the PC would require more information about proposed uses in order to be able to comment meaningfully. This note together with no additional comment will be submitted. Clerk to action.

ii. 1337/25/PDM Land at SX 804 470 (Dears well)
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)).
Comments by 11.06.25. Cllr Lange proposed, Cllr Mitchelmore seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the PC would support this because the application supports the provision of a local home for local people. Clerk to action.

b. Decisions (for information only)

i. 1083/25/TPO 8 Chantry Hill Slapton TQ7 2QY
T1: London Plane – crown reduce, see report.
T2: Lime – crown reduce, see report. Trees have overgrown garden.
SHDC: Conditional approval.

ii. 1120/25/TPO Higher Coltscombe Cottage Slapton TQ7 2QE
TPO 602: T1 – Common Beech – Fell in sections to near ground level. The base of the tree is completely hollow, and approximately 30% of the remaining sapwood is extensively decayed, resulting in a severe loss of structural integrity. The tree has a significant lean to the northeast, directly toward the garage/dwelling, posing a high risk to property and the safety of the client.
T2 – English Oak – Fell in sections to near ground level. This tree is situated atop a bank and exhibits a pronounced lean to NW towards the garage/dwelling. A large structural defect is visible along the main stem, extending approximately 4 metres up to the main union. The trunk sounds hollow when tested with a sounding mallet, and bark is peeling away from the rear of the main union, possible underlying decay.
T3 – English Oak – Reduce the SE spread by approximately 7 metres by removing one limb (maximum diameter cut: 250mm) to alleviate end-weight and reduce loading on the remaining structure. This tree is growing with a pronounced eastern lean from the top of a bank, overhanging the garage/dwelling.
T4 – Hawthorn – Fell to near ground level. The tree is interfering with a utility pole and overhead wire.
Reason for not replanting: The current locations of the trees proposed for removal are unsuitable for replanting. New trees have already been planted throughout the surrounding woodland, and further planting in this area may not be beneficial.
SHDC: Conditional approval

d. Tree Works (for information only) – Tree Wardens will assess and comment: None

e. Withdrawn (for information only): None

38:25 MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION

a. Councillor Roles and Responsibilities: Cllr Crowson and Cllr Waters were removed from all roles and responsibilities, leaving some roles unfilled until new Cllrs join the PC. However, Cllr Sutton agreed to support Cllr Abbey with activities associated with the A379 Slapton Line. Furthermore, Cllr Lange agreed to support Cllr Luscombe with monitoring the Road Warden schedule of works. Clerk to update the document.

39:25 PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION

a. Ordinary meetings of the Parish Council: Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Luscombe seconded and it was resolved unanimously that meetings would remain on the first Monday of the month at 7.00 pm (except August), unless it is a bank holiday in which case they will be on the next Monday of the month. Meeting dates to be shared and posted on noticeboard and website. Clerk to action.

b. Damage to bus shelter: Cllr Sutton proposed, Cllr Lange seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the Clerk should write to the campsite to request the details of the vehicle that caused the damage. Clerk to action.

c. BT telephone box: Cllr Sutton proposed, Cllr Mitchelmore seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the PC should adopt the phone box for £1.00. Clerk to action. There was discussion about possible future uses. It was agreed that the Clerk should confirm Listed Building status and investigate whether the telephone box could be relocated to a more accessible location. Clerk to action.

d. Water quality –Slapton NNR: Cllr Osborne informed the PC that he had received a long-anticipated report from the Environment Agency (originally expected by the end of February) containing information regarding releases in and around the Ley. The Clerk will circulate the report to all Councillors and Cllr Osborne will review it in detail tomorrow. Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Mitchelmore seconded and it was resolved unanimously that Cllr Osborne should compile any follow-up questions on behalf of the PC. These questions will then be raised by Cllr Lawford when the Environment Agency attends SHDC’s Overview and Scrutiny meeting on Thursday 26th June 2025. Cllr Osborne to action. Clerk to forward any questions to Cllr Lawford.

e. Signage, Lighting and Guarding refresher training: Cllr Sutton proposed, Cllr Osborne seconded and it was resolved (4 votes for and 2 votes against) that the PC will pay for the Road Warden’s time (up to a maximum of £175.00) to attend this one-day update training course as it is a legal requirement for all Road Wardens to undertake this training. Clerk to action.

f. Internal Audit: Cllr Osborne proposed, Cllr Lange seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the Clerk to instruct DPS to finalise the report as the PC has no comments to make. Cllr Osborne thanked the Clerk for her work on the audit and the successful outcome. Clerk to action.

g. Community Café winter 2025-26: There was a discussion about the significant reduction in attendees last winter – nearly 50% less when compared to winter 2023-24. Concerns were also raised with regards to the effort-reward ratio. Cllr Sutton proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously to draft a volunteer rota to determine whether it would be feasible to staff and bake for the café for a period of two months. Clerk to action.

h. Lloyds Bank Charges: Cllr Lange proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously to close the second Community Account (used for events only) to avoid unnecessary bank charges of £4.25 per month. Cllr Abbey to action.

i. Lloyds Bank Charges: Cllr Lange proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously to explore alternative banking providers that may offer Treasurers and Savings accounts with no monthly charges, in light of Lloyds Bank introducing a new fee of £4.25 per month on the Community Account (main account). Clerk to action.

40:25 CLERK’S REPORT: Update from Clerk on any matters arising since May’s PC meeting – see separate document.

a. The Clerk also reported verbally concerns raised by two parishioners:
• One regarding the planned management of Alexanders from the Campsite towards the A379 Slapton Line next year.
• Another relating to several Hemlock Water Dropwort plants from the leat on Carr Lane and outside Rill House, which were removed by Cllr Mitchelmore and the Clerk.

41:25 CHAIR’S REPORT: The following verbal update from Chair on matters arising since May’s PC meeting:

a. Community Café: Cllr Lawford and another volunteer have confirmed availability to help at the Community Café.

b. Co-option of new Cllrs: No expressions of interest for the existing vacancy have been received. There was a discussion about which parishioners might be interested in the role and who would discuss the vacancy with them.

42:25 COUNCILLOR REPORTS

a. Cllr Sutton confirmed that there was no relevant updates from the OPPC. Most information he has received relates to Torbay and has been on the local news.

43:25 REVIEW OF ACTION LOG: Cllrs provided the following updates on pending actions/actions requiring a status update in the action log:

a. Cllr Abbey confirmed that she and Cllr Osborne had completed a signage survey and requested that the Clerk provide a map of the village. Clerk to action. She will then complete her report.

b. Cllr Luscombe confirmed that he had not yet organised the movement of the bench from Pollards Combe to the new public area on Carr Lane, but confirmed he would do so.

44:25 FINANCIAL MATTERS

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

Payment no	Details of payment	Amount	Paid for noting
Visa24	Amazon: HP Ink Cartridges. Invoice no GB53MEYVOAEUI, dated 17.05.25	91.39 76.16 + 15.23 VAT	Paid
Visa25	Amazon: HP Office A4 White Paper (1 box, 5 reams). Invoice no GB53M66P3AEUI, dated 17.05.25	21.24 17.70 + 3.54 VAT	Paid
PAY26	Community Acct: SERVICE CHARGES REF : 453914049, dated 19.05.25	4.25	Paid
27	Community First: annual insurance renewal (renewal date 1st June 2025)	317.58
28	Nick Mathias: Grass cutting May. Invoice no 2035/26, dated 26.05.25	373.44
29	B Moor: Clerk’s salary May 2025 plus £24.00 WFH allowance	845.20
Visa30	SHDC: Duty Planning Office Appointment – ref GE/29692, dated 27.05.25	45.00	Paid
31	Woolston Accounts: May payroll. Invoice no INV-0786, dated 30.05.25	20.00
32	Nick Mathias: Road warden May. Invoice no 2036/26, dated 31.05.25	367.82
DD33	VC Warehouse: May phone. Invoice no 1015551, dated 01.06.25	11.94 9.95 + 1.99 VAT
34	(Events) Community Acct: SERVICE CHARGES REF: 457395979, dated 30.05.25	4.25	Paid

b. Balance at Bank

Balance as per bank statements on 26.05.25	Amount GBP
Events Community Account	0
Community Account	14,666.67
Commercial Instant Access Account	13,708.68
Total	28,375.35

 

c. Receipts summary

Receipts as per bank statements on 26.05.25	Amount GBP
Events Community Account	0
Community Account	0
Commercial Instant Access Account (interest)	8.51
Total	8.51

 

d. Updates to reserves and transfers

 £1,280.00 to add to operational reserves (as per agreed budget – minute ref: 136:24 a) was transferred on 26.05.25 from Community Acct to Commercial Instant Access (savings) Acct. The PC acknowledged notification of the transfer.

 

The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on
Monday 7^th July 2025 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.

 

Signed:                                                                                                Date: