Council Meeting – 6th October 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 6th October 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 1st September 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)
i. 2092/25/FUL Hansel TQ6 0LN
Application for landscape works to create three drystone walled vegetable garden terraces with dry laid stone access steps, re grade existing lawn to give a level surface & plant a native hedgerow
SHDC decision: Approved
ii. 2430/25/CLP Tithe Barn Garden Sands Road Slapton TQ7 2QN
Certificate of lawfulness for proposed 2 single storey rear extensions & minor internal alterations
SHDC decision: Approved
c. Tree Works (for information only): None
d. Withdrawn: None
8) MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION
a. Bus shelter at Greenbanks: Update following meeting with parishioners – see separate document (8a)
b. Devon County Council Highways: Update following meeting with DCC Highways at Follaton House
9) PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION
a. PCC: Does the PC approve payment of annual £250.00 to the PCC for mowing/upkeep around the war memorial?
b. Rural Network Membership: Does the PC approve Rural Network Membership (£52.50 + VAT per annum)?
10) CLERK’S REPORT: Verbal update from Clerk on any matters arising since September’s PC meeting.
11) CHAIR’S REPORT: Verbal update from Chair on any matters arising since September’s PC meeting.
12) COUNCILLOR REPORTS
a. Verbal update from Cllr Sutton on OPCC
b. Verbal update from other Parish matters
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 |
| DD60 | VC Warehouse: August phone. Invoice no 1015968, dated 15.09.25 | 11.94
9.95 + 1.99 VAT |
Paid |
| VISA61 | Sandbags UK: 70x 15 kg white filled sandbags. Invoice no (order number) 7339, dated 16.09.25 | 198.00
165.00 + 33.00 VAT |
Paid |
| DD62 | Information Commissioner’s Office Renewal (ICO:00011574388). Reference ZA142947, dated 26.09.25 | 47.00 | Paid |
| PAY63 | SERVICE CHARGESREF: 464974888 dated 16.09.25 | 4.25 | Paid |
| 64 | Nick Mathias: Road Warden Training. Invoice no 2138/26, dated 15.09.25 | 175.00 | |
| 65 | B Moor: Clerk’s salary Sept 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 30.09.25 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account | 21,714.21 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account | 13,741.51 |
| Total | 35,455.72 |
c. Receipts summary
| Receipts as per bank statements on 30.09.25 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account
SHDC precept payment |
14,890.00 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account
September interest |
7.60 |
| Total | 14,897.60 |
d. Second quarter bank reconciliation: Does the PC agree that the bank reconciliation can be signed by the Chair and another Cllr as correct? – see separate documents (14d)
e. Second quarter budget update for information only – see separate document (14e)
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on
Monday 3rd November 2025 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.
Signed: Bella Moor, Clerk Date: 30.09.25
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, Cllr L. Lawford (7.00 pm to 7.42 pm) and Cllr J. Brazil (7.10 pm to 7.42 pm).
One member of the public was in attendance.
Meeting closed at 7.10 pm for public comment.
A parishioner interested in joining the Parish Council as a Cllr shared some information about themselves and was introduced to the Cllrs by the Chair.
Meeting reopened at 7.12 pm.
73:25 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: The PC resolved to accept the apologies and reasons for absence from Cllr C. Staines. Cllr I. Luscombe was not in attendance.
74:25 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None
75:25 PUBLIC COMMENT: None
76:25 POLICE REPORT: None
77:25 COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
a. Cllr J. Brazil
i. Full meetings of Devon County Council and the Cabinet have happened since the last PC meeting: The corporate and strategic plan is moving forward and consideration is now being given to how to deliver it (e.g. populating with smart targets).
ii. Slapton Line Partnership: Cllr Abbey shared how useful smaller meetings outside the main partnership meeting were for the Parishes to discuss matters with different stakeholders. Cllr Brazil suggested raising this with Lou Hoskin (SLP Adaptation Manager) at the next SLP meeting.
iii. DALC conference: There will be a focus on consulting with Town and Parish Councils with regards to resetting the relationship between DCC Highways and communities. There has been discussion about giving Parishes more autonomy (not necessarily funded by County) with support from Highways and a new protocol will be introduced. Cllr Brazil suggested that the PC should look at the proposed draft protocol and comment on it. Clerk to action.
iv. Devolution and local government reorganisation: Devon County Council has written to the Government to confirm that they would like to be a mayoral authority. There will be an upcoming vote at both District and County levels with regards to proposals for local government reorganisation. The District Councils have proposed 5 regional Unitary Authorities. Devon County Council has proposed 4, which would be Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay and the rest of Devon. This will go out to consultation shortly (which is unlikely to be public, but should include Parish Councils) and decisions will be taken in the middle of next year.
b. Cllr L. Lawford
i. Care leavers: SHDC helping care leavers to manage the transition to adulthood (e.g. through council tax discounts until 25th birthday).
ii. Slapton Line Partnership: Cllr Lawford wanted to confirm whether a hard copy of a map of the Parishes has been provided. Cllr Abbey confirmed that it had not.
iii. Local Plan: SHDC and South West Devon will be contacting landowners to establish whether there are suitable sites for development for housing, traveller or gypsy sites, employment, renewable energy, biodiversity net gain and habitat banks. Direct anyone interested to contact Cllr Lawford or Phil Baker (SHDC).
iv. Energy event: There will be an energy event at Kingsbridge Community College on 18th October, hosted by Sustainable South Hams and SHDC.
78:25 MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING held on 1st September 2025 were agreed unanimously and signed by the Chair as a true and correct record.
79:25 PLANNING
a. Applications (for resolution): None
b. Decisions (for information only)
i. 2092/25/FUL Hansel TQ6 0LN
Application for landscape works to create three drystone walled vegetable garden terraces with dry laid stone access steps, re grade existing lawn to give a level surface & plant a native hedgerow
SHDC decision: Approved
ii. 2430/25/CLP Tithe Barn Garden Sands Road Slapton TQ7 2QN
Certificate of lawfulness for proposed 2 single storey rear extensions & minor internal alterations
SHDC decision: Approved
c. Tree Works (for information only): None
d. Withdrawn: None
80:25 MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION
a. Bus shelter at Greenbanks: Cllr Abbey summarised the meeting between Cllrs and parishioners on Tuesday 23rd September. The parishioners no longer wish to pursue Townsend Cross as a possible location for a bus shelter. Their preferred location is outside Brandis Park. The PC referred to the land registry document and noted that the land is privately owned and requested that the matter be added to November’s agenda so that the PC may resolve any next steps. Clerk to action.
b. Devon County Council Highways meeting: Cllr Abbey and Cllr Osborne summarised the meeting between Stokenham, Strete and Slapton PCs and DCC Highways on 25th September 2025. Lou Hoskin, the Slapton Line Partnership Adaptation Manager, arranged the meeting but was unable to attend. Tom Vaughan (DCC Highways) and Dan Field (SHDC) were in attendance. Tom Vaughan of DCC Highways has replaced Jon Fewings. The Parishes requested information on spend to date on inland routes, which will be made available within a couple of weeks. They also requested access to a map so that the Parishes can make suggestions about where upgrades to the inland roads are necessary. Cllr Lawford will follow up on request for map.
81:25 PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION
a. PCC mowing: Cllr Osborne proposed, Cllr Lange seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the payment of annual £250.00 to the PCC for mowing/upkeep around the war memorial and wider church yard. Clerk to action.
b. Rural Network Membership: Cllr Lange proposed, Cllr Osborne seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve Rural Network Membership (£52.50 + VAT per annum). Clerk to action.
82:25 CLERK’S REPORT: The Clerk reported the following:
a. Community Café: Some wonderful volunteers have come forward but there are still lots of gaps to fill in the rota.
b. Leaking air valve: Cllr Mitchelmore has been made aware of a leak from a water pipe air valve in a field (with livestock in) off Blacksmith’s Hill, which has been reported by the landowner to SWW. The Clerk also emailed SWW today on behalf of the PC to ascertain some facts, find out what action SWW has taken and confirm whether it poses a risk to public health or not. Awaiting a response. Cllr Mitchelmore, Cllr Abbey and Clerk to follow up.
c. Unpaid P3 Scheme monies: After numerous emails to DCC’s Accounts and the PRoW Teams, I submitted a complaint to DCC via their online complaints portal. £500.00 has now been paid to the PC on 03.10.25.
d. Land registry: Work commitments and outstanding holiday owed mean that I will begin work on this in the new year.
e. VAT refund: Mid-year VAT refund for £182.23 submitted.
f. Salt bin: Would it be possible to arrange a date for the surrounds of the salt bin on the corner of Marsh Lane to be dug out so that it sits flat against the wall and on the ground? Cllr Harris offered to tackle this when time permits.
g. PC grants to community groups: The PC has received one bid for the grant so far, which will be circulated and added to the agenda for November as the closing date for applications is the end of October.
h. Allotments: The PC has received three written expressions of interest to date. The closing date for expressions of interest is the end of November and allotments will be added to an agenda in the new year for further discussion.
83:25 CHAIR’S REPORT: Verbal update from Chair on any matters arising since September’s PC meeting.
a. Slapton Lines Magazine: Asked residents to contact the Parish Council in writing if they would like to express an interest in an allotment.
b. Community Café: Age UK have confirmed that they would be happy to attend a session at the Community Café.
c. Highways/Slapton Line Partnership: Photographs of issues with oversized vehicles entering the village and other Highways issues have been sent to Lou Hoskins (Slapton Line Partnership Adaptation Manager).
84:25 COUNCILLOR REPORTS
a. Nothing relevant via the OPPC to Slapton. Nothing from the Neighbourhood Police Team and no update on speeding along the line.
85:25 REVIEW OF ACTION LOG
a. There are no pending actions or actions requiring a status update from Cllrs.86:25 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 |
| DD60 | VC Warehouse: August phone. Invoice no 1015968, dated 15.09.25 | 11.94
9.95 + 1.99 VAT |
Paid |
| VISA61 | Sandbags UK: 70x 15 kg white filled sandbags. Invoice no (order number) 7339, dated 16.09.25 | 198.00
165.00 + 33.00 VAT |
Paid |
| DD62 | Information Commissioner’s Office Renewal (ICO:00011574388). Reference ZA142947, dated 26.09.25 | 47.00 | Paid |
| PAY63 | SERVICE CHARGESREF: 464974888 dated 16.09.25 | 4.25 | Paid |
| 64 | Nick Mathias: Road Warden Training. Invoice no 2138/26, dated 15.09.25 | 175.00 | |
| 65 | B Moor: Clerk’s salary Sept 2025 plus £24.00 WFH allowance | 845.20 | |
| 66 | Woolston Accounts: August payroll. Invoice no INV-0931, dated 30.09.25 | 20.00 | |
| 67 | Nick Mathias: Road warden September. Invoice no 2127/26, dated 30.09.25 | 370.88 | |
| 68 | Nick Mathias: Grass cutting September – Invoice no 2153/26, dated 30.08.25 | 419.78 | |
| DD69 | VC Warehouse: Sept phone. Invoice no 1016110, dated 01.10.25 | 11.94 | |
| 70 | Artisan Pizzeria: APM food. Invoice number 00Slapt01, dated 01.09.25 | 96.00 |
b. Balance at bank
| Balance as per bank statements on 30.09.25 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account | 21,714.21 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account | 13,741.51 |
| Total | 35,455.72 |
c. Receipts summary
| Receipts as per bank statements on 30.09.25 | Amount GBP |
| Community Account
SHDC precept payment |
14,890.00 |
| Commercial Instant Access Account
September interest |
7.60 |
| Total | 14,897.60 |
d. Second quarter bank reconciliation: Cllr Osborne proposed, Cllr Sutton seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the bank reconciliation can be signed by the Chair and another Cllr as correct.
e. Second quarter budget update for information: Cllrs confirmed that they had received the second quarter budget update.
The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on
Monday 3rd November 2025 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.
Signed: Date:
