Council Meeting – 7th April 2025

IN THE COLERIDGE HUNDRED OF THE SOUTH HAMS OF DEVON

The following Councillors are summoned to attend:
Cllr J. Abbey (Chair), Cllr I. Mitchelmore (Vice Chair), 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 meeting of the Parish Council will be the Full Council Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 7th April 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 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 3rd March 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. 0530/25/OPA Dittiscombe Barn, Slapton, TQ7 2QF
Application for outline planning permission with all matters reserved for agricultural worker’s dwelling
PC comment by 7th April 2025: Submitted support on 01.04.25

ii. 0629/25/HHO The Tree House 8 Chantry Hill Slapton TQ7 2QY
Householder application for proposed side extension & remodelling of existing dwelling
PC comment by 3rd April 2025: Submitted no comment to make 01.04.25

iii. 0427/25/HHO 4 Chantry Hill Slapton TQ7 2QY
Householder application for two storey side extension to existing dwelling
PC comment by 10th April 2025

b. Decisions (for information only): None

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

d. Withdrawn (for information only)

i. 4120/24/HHO Carlane House Carr Lane Slapton TQ7 2PU
Householder application for demolition of existing extension, construction of new side/rear extension, front porch extension, rear glazed veranda, internal alterations & associate landscaping works
PC submitted no comment on 7th January 2025
Withdrawn 19th February 2025

8) PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION

a. Year-end: The PC must discuss and resolve how to answer each of the statements in Section 1 – Annual Governance Statement 24-25. Chair to sign, followed by Clerk to sign – see separate document 8a page 4

b. Does the PC approve the Asset Register? – see separate document 8b

c. Year end: Does the PC approve the year end Bank Reconciliation 24-25? Chair to sign – see separate documents 8c 1, 8c 2 and 8c 3

d. Year end: Does the PC approve the Year End Accounts Summary (Receipts and Payments) 24-25 – see separate document 8d

e. Year end: Does the PC approve Section 2 – Annual Accounting Statement 24-25? RFO has signed already, Chair to sign – see separate document 8e page 5

f. Year end: Does the PC approve the Explanation of variances 24-25? – see separate document 8f

g. Year end: Does the PC approve the confirmation of the dates of the period for the exercise of public rights? Chair to sign – see separate document 8g

h. Does the PC approve these payments to be made by direct debit in year end 25-26: VC Warehouse ~£11.94 per month and Information Commissioners Office (ICO) ~£40.00 per annum?

9) MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION

a. Logo: Does the PC wish to use any of the logos circulated by Cllr Abbey – see email sent on 01.02.25?

b. Bus stop at Greenbanks: Parishioners have discussed the matter with Cllr Luscombe, who will provide an update for further discussion.

10) MATTERS IN ABEYANCE: None

11) CLERK’S REPORT – see separate document 11

12) CHAIR’S REPORT: Verbal update from Chair on any matters arising since the March PC meeting

13) COUNCILLOR UPDATES

a. Verbal update from Cllr G. Sutton on OPCC

14) REVIEW OF ACTION LOG: Cllr updates on any actions requiring a status update in the action log – see separate document 14a

15) 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 15a

 

No	Payment Details	Amount	Paid for noting
1	M.J.Hallet: Hedge trimming Brook Street, Slapton, dated 28.02.25	72.00 60.00 + 12.00 VAT
2	Slapton Village Community Shop: Goods supplied to support Community Café from Nov 24 to Feb 25, dated 05.03.25	50.00
3	Nick Mathias: Footpath 2 trim. Invoice no 1979/25, dated 07.03.25	400.00
4	Cllr Mitchelmore: 1x 610 x 535 safety glass panel for noticeboard and 1x panel pins. Receipt from H. Luscombe & Son Ltd, dated 17.03.25	25.50
5	SHDC: Charge for emptying dog bin at Recreation Field (invoice says car park). Invoice no 22341929 dated 27.03.25	156.00 130.00 + 26.00 VAT
6	Nick Mathias: Grass cutting March. Invoice no 1986/25, dated 30.03.25	373.26
7	Nick Mathias: Road warden March. Invoice no 1987/25, dated 30.03.25	368.00
8	B Moor: Clerk’s salary March 2025 plus £24.00 WFH allowance	845.20
DD9	VC Warehouse: March phone. Invoice no 1015284, dated 01.04.25	11.94 9.95 + 1.99 VAT

 

b. Balance at Bank

 

Balance as per bank statements on 31.03.25	Amount GBP
Events Community Account	0
Community Account	4,473.75
Commercial Instant Access Account	12,907.62
Total	17,381.37

 

c. Receipts summary

 

Receipts as per bank statements on 31.03.25	Amount GBP
Events Community Account	0
Community Account	0
Commercial Instant Access Account March interest	9.89
Total	9.89

 

d. Revised bank reconciliation for 2nd quarter: Total remains unchanged as that was correct at time of signing. However, the Savings Acct (now named Commercial Instant Access Account) figure has updated because there was a typo. Does the PC approve the revised 2nd quarter Bank Reconciliation? – see separate document 15d

e. Ringfenced reserves on 31.03.25 for information – see separate document 15e

Next Parish Council meeting will be held on
Monday 12th May at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.

Signed: Bella Moor, Clerk    1st April 2025

 

MINUTES

Those in attendance: Cllr J. Abbey (Chair), Cllr I. Mitchelmore (Vice Chair), P. Osborne, Cllr G. Sutton, Cllr I. Luscombe and Cllr J. Brazil (arrived 7.35 pm and left ~ 8.10 pm)

Five members of the public were in attendance (arrived 7.00 pm and left 7.20 pm)

1:25 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: The PC resolved unanimously to accept the reasons for the apologies for absence from Cllr C. Staines, Cllr S. Lange and Cllr Lawford. Cllr J. Waters was not in attendance.

2.25 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None

Meeting closed 7.05 pm.

3:25 PUBLIC COMMENT

5 members of the public were in attendance. They explained that many residents would like a bus shelter at the top of the village near Greenbanks. 3 different buses stop in this location. The Coleridge bus is used regularly by 2 older people from Greenbanks, there are also 10 primary aged children who get a school bus to Stokenham Primary School and between 7 to 10 children who catch the school bus to Kingsbridge Community College. They explained that children need protection from bad weather otherwise they remain in wet clothes for the day and that some parents and children have to wait in cars, often with engines running. They suggested that locations for the bus shelter could be on the green at Towns End Cross or either of the greens at Brandis Park. Currently, everyone waits on one of the greens at Brandis Park.

Cllr Osborne asked whether there had ever been a bus shelter in these locations in the past. The members of the public confirmed not although they explained that they understood it had been discussed in the distant past previously by the Parish Council (PC), which determined at that time that it was not feasible. The members of the public in attendance added that the reasons for the PC’s decisions were not shared directly with residents at the time and many felt that it was a case of ‘we don’t fit with the aesthetics of the village’. The Clerk confirmed that any past decisions will have been minuted and that the minutes may include some of the reasons behind those decisions. The members of the public also explained that they had attended tonight’s meeting as they wanted to be heard by the PC. The residents also asked whether it would be possible to relocate the dog bin at Brandis Park away from the area used currently to wait for buses if a bus shelter was not installed.

The Chair thanked the members of the public for attending, providing useful information about the numbers of residents catching different buses from this location and for explaining the reasoning behind their request for a bus shelter. The Clerk explained that the matter was on the agenda for further discussion by the PC later in the meeting, that the residents were welcome to stay to listen to those discussions and that the PC’s discussions/decisions would be minuted and made available for the residents, so that they can be kept up to date, should they not wish to stay for the duration of the meeting.

Meeting reopened 7.20 pm.

4.25 POLICE REPORT: None

5.25 COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT

a. Cllr J. Brazil
i. Townsend Cross: Drain has now been cleared. The PC thanked Cllr Brazil for his support with this matter. There was a discussion about the culture of DCC Highways and how this needs to change. Cllr Brazil hopes that new Cllrs will hold public service staff to account.
ii. Memorial Car Park: This has now been repaired. The PC thanked Cllr Brazil for his support with this matter and are pleased that it had been completed before the Easter holidays.
iii. Slapton Lines Partnership: There will be a Teams meeting on 9th May for all stakeholders involved in the SLP. Cllr Brazil has also planned a face to face meeting with the new Adaptation Manager in June and will request a face to face meeting for all after that date. Cllr Brazil believes that an adaptation plan and saving the line for as long as possible are not mutually exclusive.

6.25 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 3rd March 2025 were agreed unanimously and signed by the Chair as a true and correct record.

7.25 PLANNING

a. Applications (for resolution)
i. 0530/25/OPA Dittiscombe Barn, Slapton, TQ7 2QF
Application for outline planning permission with all matters reserved for agricultural worker’s dwelling
PC comment by 7th April 2025: Submitted support on 01.04.25. It was resolved unanimously that this submission was discussed previously and approved.

ii. 0629/25/HHO The Tree House 8 Chantry Hill Slapton TQ7 2QY
Householder application for proposed side extension & remodelling of existing dwelling
PC comment by 3rd April 2025: Submitted no comment to make 01.04.25. It was resolved unanimously that this submission was discussed previously and approved.

iii. 0427/25/HHO 4 Chantry Hill Slapton TQ7 2QY
Householder application for two storey side extension to existing dwelling
PC comment by 10th April 2025
Cllr Mitchelmore proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the PC has no comments to make on this application. Clerk to action.

b. Decisions (for information only): None

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

d. Withdrawn (for information only)

i. 4120/24/HHO Carlane House Carr Lane Slapton TQ7 2PU
Householder application for demolition of existing extension, construction of new side/rear extension, front porch extension, rear glazed veranda, internal alterations & associate landscaping works
PC submitted no comment on 7th January 2025
Withdrawn 19th February 2025

8.25 PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION

a. Year-end: Annual Governance Statement 24-25. There was discussion and agreement about each of the statements and how to answer them. Cllr Sutton proposed, Cllr Osborne seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the PC should answer yes to all statements and that the Chair and Clerk should sign the completed Annual Governance Statement 24-25.

b. Asset Register: There was discussion about the updates to the Asset Register. Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Luscombe seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the updates to the Asset Register.

c. Year end: Bank Reconciliation 24-25. Cllr Osborne proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the Bank Reconciliation 24-25.

d. Year end: Year End Accounts Summary (Receipts and Payments) 24-25. Cllr Luscombe proposed, Cllr Osborne seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the Year End Accounts Summary (Receipts and Payments 24-25).

e. Year end: Annual Accounting Statement 24-25. Cllr Mitchelmore proposed, Cllr Sutton seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the Annual Accounting Statement 24-25 and that the Chair should sign the completed form.

f. Year end: Explanation of variances 24-25. Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Luscombe seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the Explanation of Variances 24-25.

g. Year end: Confirmation of the dates of the period for the exercise of public rights. Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Sutton seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the confirmation of the dates of the period of exercise of public rights.

h. Direct debit payments in year end 25-26 (VC Warehouse ~£11.94 per month and Information Commissioners Office (ICO) ~£40.00 per annum). Cllr Osborne proposed, Cllr Mitchelmore seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve these direct debit payments.

9:25 MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION

a. Logo: Cllr Luscombe proposed, Cllr Sutton seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the adoption of Logo number 3 (the tower and water). Clerk to update all documents.

b. Bus shelter at Greenbanks: There was a discussion about the information provided by the members of the public, who attended the meeting earlier. The PC agreed that a bus shelter in this location reflects the interests of many residents and that it is important these residents are represented. The Clerk outlined the likely next steps for such a project, which are as follows: Establish land ownership of the proposed bus shelter sites; receive written permission from the land owner; liaise with DCC Highways for approval of the shelter’s location; consult the community about the location and design of the shelter; liaise with SHDC’s duty planning officer to determine the need for planning permission; submit a planning application to SHDC, if required; research possible funding options to cover associated costs including available grants and/or implications of any necessary increases to the Precept levied on all residents for the financial year 2026-27 etc; prepare a tender for installation (only contractors authorised to work on the highway can be used); purchase the bus shelter; and authorise the works. Cllr Luscombe added that residents have suggested that they would be willing to crowdfund the project and install the shelter themselves. Cllr Osborne proposed, Cllr Luscombe seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the Clerk should pursue the proposal of a bus shelter in this location and as a first step identify land ownership of the proposed sites. Clerk to action. It was also resolved to contact SHDC to discuss the possible relocation of the dog waste bin in the meantime. Clerk to action.

10:25 MATTERS IN ABEYANCE: None

11:25 CLERK’S REPORT – see separate document. Cllr Osborne thanked the Clerk for the provision of the end of year documentation.

12:25 CHAIR’S REPORT: The Chair provided the following updates:

a. Light pollution: A resident has raised concerns about light pollution from a specific property within Slapton’s conservation area. Cllrs discussed this and were not aware of any rules/legislation relating to outdoor lighting in Slapton’s designated conservation area and requested that the Clerk find out if any exist. Clerk to action. In the meantime, it was agreed that the Chair should encourage the concerned resident to liaise directly the property owner.

b. Width restriction signage: Following a survey of existing signage, conducted with Cllr Osborne, the Chair will produce a report for further discussion by the PC. Chair to action.

c. Annual Parish Meeting: The Chair explained that the intention was to keep the presentations/talks short this year. The Clerk confirmed that Caroline Voaden MP was unable to attend but that County and District Councillors had been invited and would attend (subject to election results). The Clerk confirmed plans for food and will liaise with the Village Shop Committee regarding drinks on a use or return basis. Clerk to action.

d. Speeding on A379 Slapton Line: The email from Strete Parish Council regarding this matter was discussed. The Clerk has responded to Strete and Cllr Sutton has emailed the Neighbourhood Police Team Leader about the possibility of speed checks – he is awaiting a reply.

e. Co-option of new Cllrs: Once the Clerk has received confirmation from the Elections Team at SHDC, the PC can go ahead and co-opt a new Cllr. The Clerk has emailed SHDC for confirmation and is awaiting a reply. There was a brief discussion about the expectations in terms of contributions from new Cllrs joining the PC.

13:25 COUNCILLOR UPDATES

a. Cllr Sutton explained that he had recently attended a 3 ½ hr Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) seminar and has shared report with Cllrs via email. He remarked that most ideas for tackling ASB were like those tried in the past. He confirmed that he has followed up with the Neighbourhood Police Team regarding the knife found in the Children’s Play Area at Greenbanks and asked if it would be possible for Police to walk around the village from time to time, now the evenings are lighter. He has also asked whether a member of the Neighbourhood Police Team would like to speak at the Annual Parish Meeting. He is awaiting a reply to both requests but understands that resources may well be allocated towards targeted hots spots of ASB presently so will make contact again.

b. Cllr Mitchelmore has reattached the width restriction sign to the salt bin near Greenbanks.

c. Cllr Mitchelmore explained that a resident had noted the invitation to the Annual Parish Meeting in the Slapton Lines Magazine stated that electors were invited and that the resident wondered whether holiday home owners were invited too. The Clerk clarified that the meeting is only for electors as per the Local Government Act 1972 (Schedule 12, Part III). This is because polls and votes of electors can be taken at the meeting.

14:25 REVIEW OF ACTION LOG: Cllr updates on any actions requiring a status update in the action log. The Chair gave update on 170:24 a i.

15:25 FINANCIAL MATTERS

a. Payments to approve: Cllr Osborne proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the payments listed below.

 

No	Payment Details	Amount	Paid for noting
1	M.J.Hallet: Hedge trimming Brook Street, Slapton, dated 28.02.25	72.00 60.00 + 12.00 VAT
2	Slapton Village Community Shop: Goods supplied to support Community Café from Nov 24 to Feb 25, dated 05.03.25	50.00
3	Nick Mathias: Footpath 2 trim. Invoice no 1979/25, dated 07.03.25	400.00
4	Cllr Mitchelmore: 1x 610 x 535 safety glass panel for noticeboard and 1x panel pins. Receipt from H. Luscombe & Son Ltd, dated 17.03.25	25.50
5	SHDC: Charge for emptying dog bin at Recreation Field (invoice says car park). Invoice no 22341929 dated 27.03.25	156.00 130.00 + 26.00 VAT
6	Nick Mathias: Grass cutting March. Invoice no 1986/25, dated 30.03.25	373.26
7	Nick Mathias: Road warden March. Invoice no 1987/25, dated 30.03.25	368.00
8	B Moor: Clerk’s salary March 2025 plus £24.00 WFH allowance	845.20
DD9	VC Warehouse: March phone. Invoice no 1015284, dated 01.04.25	11.94 9.95 + 1.99 VAT
10	DALC membership. Invoice no 6605, dated 03.04.25	216.19 188.00 + 28.19
11	Village Hall: March PC meeting. Invoice no C04990/25, dated 03.04.25	20.00
12	Woolston Accounts: March payroll. Invoice no INV-0713, dated 04.04.25	20.00

 

b. Balance at Bank

 

Balance as per bank statements on 31.03.25	Amount GBP
Events Community Account	0
Community Account	4,473.75
Commercial Instant Access Account	12,907.62
Total	17,381.37

 

c. Receipts summary

 

Receipts as per bank statements on 31.03.25	Amount GBP
Events Community Account	0
Community Account	0
Commercial Instant Access Account March interest	9.89
Total	9.89

d. Revised bank reconciliation for 2nd quarter: Cllr Osborne proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the revised 2nd quarter Bank Reconciliation.

e. Ringfenced reserves on 31.03.25 for information. There was discussion about the ringfenced reserves and the PC acknowledged receipt of this information.

The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council will be held on
Monday 12th May at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.

Signed:                                                                                                                   Date: