Council Meeting – 4th November 2024
The following Councillors are summoned to attend:
Cllr J. Abbey (Chair), Cllr I. Mitchelmore (Vice Chair), Cllr C. Staines, Cllr M. Crowson, Cllr J. Waters, Cllr P. Osborne, Cllr S. Lange, Cllr I. Luscombe and Cllr G. Sutton.
The next meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 4th November, at Slapton Village Hall (main hall), at 7.00 pm.
Cllr J. Brazil, Cllr L. Lawford and members of the public are invited to attend.
If any parishioners wish to speak at the meeting, please submit your papers or questions by email to clerk@slaptonparishcouncil-devon.gov.uk 48 hours in advance of the meeting. The public comment section is 15 minutes in duration with 3 minutes allocated per person.
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 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 7th October 2024, 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. 2027/24/LBC Coltscombe Court Slapton TQ7 2QE
Listed Building Consent to replace existing UPVC windows with new timber windows
SHDC Decision: Conditional Approval 08/10/24
d. Trees Works (for information only – Tree Wardens will assess and comment): None
c. Withdrawn (for information only): None
8) MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION: None
9) PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION
a) Community grants from Slapton Parish Council: Does the PC approve the notice and application form? See separate documents (9a 1 and 9a 2).
b) Brook Street bank: Does the PC wish to proceed with flailing a section of Brook Street from Carr Lane to Sloutts Farm 40m? Furthermore, should the clerk request quotes from tree surgeons for removal of some of the larger vegetation near the top of the bank, including dead/dying Elm trees and buddleias (as per advice from Tree Wardens)?
c) PRoW: Does the PC authorise a winter cut of Footpaths 1, 2, 10 and 11 at the end of February (before nesting season and Spring growth) by the Road Warden/Lengthsman (approx. 3 to 5 days work)? There is £356.13 ringfenced c/f and a £1,000 P3 grant has been promised, yet to be received, some of which could be used towards this cut as well as for repairs to fingerposts, signage and styles etc. There is also ~£400 of Precept funds in the Village Maintenance cost centre, which was budgeted for PRoW works if the P3 grant is not paid.
d) Noticeboard: Does the PC authorise costs (TBC but < £500.00) for the removal of the old noticeboards at Greenbanks and installation of the new noticeboard? There are sufficient reserves for this as the PC received a localities grant towards the cost of the purchase of the new noticeboard.
e) Community Cinema: Does the PC approve Slapton Community Cinema becoming its own unincorporated community group (separate from the PC) and the transfer of Cinema for All membership together with ringfenced cinema funds of ~£750.00 (i.e. the PC’s starter grant of £345 together with profits generated by Slapton Community Cinema)? The exact figures will be confirmed for resolution at December’s PC meeting.
f) Flooding Dittiscombe to Alston: If DCC Highways take no further action (as has been the case with the previous 5 reports of flooding in this location), would the PC like to contact the adjacent landowner to begin discussions about digging a trench (similar to the solution agreed between the PC and Southgrounds Farm to solve the flooding on Sands Road) to resolve the issue? See separate document (9f).
10) MATTERS IN ABEYANCE: None
11) CLERK’S REPORT
a. Verbal update from Clerk on any matters arising since October’s PC meeting.
12) CHAIR’S REPORT
a. Verbal update from Chair on any matters arising since October’s PC meeting.
13) COUNCILLOR UPDATES
.
a. Verbal update from Cllr Sutton on OPCC
14) REVIEW OF ACTION LOG
a. Cllr updates on any pending actions/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 documents (15a).
| Payment no | Details of payment | Amount GBP | Paid for noting |
| 91 | Parish Online Website Oct 24 to Oct 54. Invoice no: 18UG043-0008, dated 10.10.24 | 240.00
200 + 40 VAT |
|
| VISA92 | Sainsburys. Halloween Event 26th October. Receipt dated 19.10.24 | 22.45 | |
| 93 | PCC of Slapton. Mowing – War Memorial. Invoice dated 22.10.24 | 250.00 | |
| 94 | Nick Walker Printing. Community Café posters printing and laminating x 20. Invoice no: SL-93836, dated 24.10.24 | 45.40
41.00 + 4.40 VAT |
|
| 95 | Noticeboard Company. New noticeboard for Greenbanks. Invoice no: 22353, dated 24.10.24 | 1,542.43
1,285.36 + 257.07 VAT |
|
| 96 | Kingsbridge RBL – Remembrance Wreath, dated Oct 24 | 25.00 | |
| 97 | Filmbank Media Licence for 26th October Film (Community Cinema). Invoice no: 06326589, dated 28.10.24 | 104.40
87.00 + 17.40 VAT |
|
| 98 | The British Federation of Film Societies (Cinema for All) equipment hire 7th December. Invoice no: INV-3785, dated 28.10.24 | 50.00 |
*Any additional October invoices received before the meeting will be shared at the meeting
b. Balance at bank
| Balance as per bank statements on 29.10.24 | Amount GBP |
| Events Treasurers Account (money from Cardnet machine sales at Community Cinema on 26.10.24 still not processed) | 0 |
| Treasurers Account | 17,207.90 |
| Instant Access Savings Account | 14,009.08 |
| Total | 31,216.98 |
c. Receipts summary
| Receipts as per bank statements on 29.10.24 | Amount GBP |
| Events Treasurers Account | 0 |
| Treasurers Account
· 15-Oct BGC DEVONCC 5283766 Localities grant for noticeboard at Greenbanks £562.36 · 28-Oct Cash PO 71 73 FORE ST. Cash from Community Cinema 26.10.24 £126.00 |
688.36 |
| Instant Access Savings Account (October interest) | 11.50 |
| Total | 699.86 |
16) AOB
Next Parish Council meeting will be held on
Monday 2nd December at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.
Signed: Bella Moor, Clerk
Date: 29th October 2024
MINUTES
Those in attendance: Cllr J. Abbey (Chair), Cllr I. Mitchelmore (Vice Chair), Cllr M. Crowson and Cllr G. Sutton. Cllr J. Brazil arrived 7.00 pm and left at 7.27 pm. Cllr L. Lawford arrived 7.00 pm and left at 8.00 pm.
There was one member of the public present.
99:24 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: The PC resolved unanimously to accept the reasons for the apologies for absence from Cllr Osborne, Cllr Staines, Cllr Luscombe and Cllr Lange. Apologies were not received by the Clerk from Cllr Waters although the Chair did receive his apologies before the meeting.
100:24 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
No Councillors declared any disclosable interest relating to any items to be considered.
101:24 PUBLIC COMMENT:
A member of the public shared their concerns about the unacceptable quality of work and inefficient approach of DCC Highways in relation to completing the works required to improve the condition of the road between Deer Bridge and Start. They reported that several visits from Highways had taken place with partial work being completed each time, much of which was completed to a very poor standard, especially around a metal drain cover, which has within weeks cracked and lifted out. They also reported planings left at the edge of the road (within a designated County Wildlife Site), which they felt was unacceptable. The mud in the middle of the road, which makes it unpassable for most cars, has still not been cleared. They requested Cllr Brazil’s email address to report this to him along with photographs. Clerk to action.
They also expressed their concerns about the number of potholes (especially along the edges and in passing places) along Five Mile Lane and the flooding just outside the Parish boundary. Clerk to photograph and report.
102:24 POLICE REPORT: None
103:24 RECREATION FIELD
a. Report from Kate Palmer (following closure of CSG Committee).
Following requests from residents for a flat area at the Recreation Ground, Kate (a former CSG Committee Member) explained that the CSG had been discussing how the Recreation Field might be improved to appeal to a wider range of different users. Currently, the Recreation Field is on a slope and is very exposed. It is mainly used by dog walkers. Kate has prepared a sketch as an example of what could be done to improve it. She explained that her initial ideas would make it a more family friendly space so that it is not just used as a dog field. Works might involve levelling and moving soil on site to create a flat area with goal posts (with nets) and a bank along the boundary (currently fenced) to provide protection from the wind, with native hedge planting along the bank as well as other existing exposed boundaries. Her sketch showed planting of one or two smaller trees e.g. Rowan, and a seated area embedded into the bank for protection against the wind.
Kate suggested that, if the PC would like to explore the idea of improving the Recreation Field further, perhaps consultation with parishioners about possible improvements would be a good idea. Clerk to add to future PC agenda and research funding sources.
103:24 COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
a. Cllr J. Brazil
i. Devolution: Devon and Torbay have signed the devolution deal and it is going ahead. Cllr Brazil believes that in the future there may be a combined authority for Devon and Cornwall with an elected mayor as its head.
ii. Second home Council Tax: As previously reported, SHDC wanted all additional monies (approx. £750,000) raised through increased second home Council Tax to go back into affordable housing but DCC will be taking the full amount raised from all districts and will spend it on potholes and other centralised projects/revenue spending instead of investing in Devon’s future i.e. building up a pool of houses for key workers e.g. social workers, NHS, Teachers etc.
iii. Two tier car parking: SHDC have proposed that the car parking rate will initially remain the same for locals (but will eventually be linked to inflation) and rates will be increased for visitors. There has been discussion about the actual charges, which are yet to be confirmed. However, charges are likely to be a couple of pounds more for visitors. The monies raised will be used for public toilets, leisure centres and to support other services. There has been some opposition, in particular, from second home owners and some opponents are concerned it is a tax on tourists (which Cllrs discussed and agreed were common in other countries). Cllr Brazil explained that car parking charges have not increased in South Hams for some time although prices in other Devon districts have already gone up. Furthermore, all other businesses have had to put prices up in recent years and SHDC now needs to do so too. So far, the proposal has gone out to consultation with all the towns, who have met with the Chamber of Commerce. The proposal will then go out to public consultation. The technology to make the proposed system work is in place already and won’t use number plate recognition. The new charges are likely to start in April 2025.
iv. Cllr Abbey thanked Cllr Brazil for supporting the PC’s Localities Grant application towards a new noticeboard in Greenbanks playpark – which has now been awarded.
b. Cllr L. Lawford
i. Broadband: Cllr Brazil and Cllr Lawford are aware that plans to introduce broadband to some rural areas, including the Parish of Slapton, have been cancelled. Cllr Lawford will keep the PC up to date with any developments/updates from the CDS (Connecting Devon & Somerset).
ii. Monument Car Park: Cllr Lawford is aware that the barrier has been damaged and needs repair so she will follow this up.
iii. Slapton Line Partnership: Cllr Lawford has been liaising between the parishes and Dan Field. Cllr Abbey confirmed that Dan has been responding very quickly to emails and that the parishes are grateful for this. Cllr Lawford will request that the parishes involved in the SLP have sight of the job description for the Adaptation Manager. She also explained that the Environment Agency has provided £25k funding for the role and that recruitment usually takes 3 months. Cllr Lawford explained that she met with Caroline Voaden MP following the meeting at Strete and confirmed that Caroline is now up to speed with the issues and has requested funds from the Government. Cllr Lawford also confirmed that Frogmore are now involved in the SLP.
iv. Highways: Cllr Abbey thanked Cllr Lawford for following up on information about historic work on the inland roads in the Parish. There was a discussion about the poor quality of the information supplied by Highways to Cllr Lawford and acknowledgement that it is not Cllr Lawford’s fault but Highways responsibility to be more transparent and detailed when asked about spending.
v. NHS 10 year plan: Members of the public and NHS staff can now go online and comment on the plan via an online consultation https://change.nhs.uk/en-GB/.
vi. Chewing gum: Clean ups, using new machines, are underway in Kingsbridge and Ivybridge.
vii. Pension credits advise: There will be a walk in ‘surgery’ at Kingsbridge Library on 20th November between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm.
viii. Cost of living: This will be discussed at the next Executive Meeting in November and an update provided following the meeting. SHDC has its own email address for the PC to send in details of someone who is struggling financially but only with their permission. SHDC can then signpost them to the support available support.vulnerability@swdevon.org.uk.
104:24 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 7th October 2024 were agreed unanimously and signed by the Chair as a true and correct record.
105:24 PLANNING
a. Applications (for resolution): None
b. Decisions (for information only)
i. 2027/24/LBC Coltscombe Court Slapton TQ7 2QE
Listed Building Consent to replace existing UPVC windows with new timber windows
SHDC Decision: Conditional Approval 08/10/24
d. Trees Works (for information only – Tree Wardens will assess and comment): None
c. Withdrawn (for information only): None
106:24 MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION: None
107.24 PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION
a. Community grants from Slapton Parish Council: Does the PC approve the notice and application form? See separate documents (9a 1 and 9a 2). Cllr Mitchelmore proposed, Cllr Sutton seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the notice and application form. Clerk to action.
b. Brook Street bank: Does the PC wish to proceed with flailing a section of Brook Street from Carr Lane to Sloutts Farm (approx 40m)? Furthermore, should the clerk request quotes from tree surgeons for removal of some of the larger vegetation near the top of the bank, including dead/dying Elm trees and buddleias (as per advice from the PC’s Tree Wardens)? Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Sutton seconded and it was resolved unanimously that the bank should be flailed. Cllr Mitchelmore to speak to Michael Hallet and advise the PC of costs and a possible date for the work. There was a discussion about variances in costs between different tree surgeons and agreement that the Clerk should obtain 3 quotes. Clerk to action.
c. PRoW: Does the PC authorise a winter cut of Footpaths 1, 2, 10 and 11 at the end of February (before nesting season and Spring growth) by the Road Warden/Lengthsman (approx. 3 to 5 days work)? There is £356.13 ringfenced c/f and a £500 P3 grant has been promised (yet to be received) – some of which could be used towards this cut as well as for repairs to fingerposts, signage and styles etc. There is also ~£400 of Precept funds in the Village Maintenance cost centre, which was budgeted for PRoW works if the P3 grant is not paid. Cllr Mitchelmore proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve a winter cut of footpaths and spending of ringfenced funds together with the allocated PRoW Precept funds if necessary. Clerk to action.
d. Noticeboard: Does the PC authorise costs (TBC but < £500.00) for the removal of the old noticeboards at Greenbanks and installation of the new noticeboard? There are sufficient reserves for this as the PC received a Localities grant towards the cost of the purchase of the new noticeboard. Cllr Mitchelmore and Cllr Abbey’s husband have kindly volunteered to do the installation for free but in the event that they are not able to complete the works, Cllr Sutton proposed, Cllr Crowson seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve costs below £500 for the removal of the old noticeboards at Greenbanks and installation of the new noticeboard if necessary. Clerk to arrange once Noticeboard delivered.
e. Community Cinema: Does the PC approve Slapton Community Cinema becoming its own unincorporated community group (separate from the PC) and the transfer of Cinema for All membership together with ringfenced cinema funds of ~£750.00 (i.e. the PC’s starter grant of £345.00 together with profits generated by Slapton Community Cinema)? The exact figures will be confirmed for resolution at December’s PC meeting. Cllr Mitchelmore proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously that Slapton Community Cinema should become its own unincorporated community group, and Cinema for All membership together with any ringfenced cinema funds should be transferred to the Slapton Community Cinema’s own bank account when it becomes an unincorporated community group. Clerk to action.
f. Flooding Dittiscombe to Alston: If DCC Highways take no further action (as has been the case with the previous 5 reports of flooding in this location), would the PC like to contact the adjacent landowner to begin discussions about working together to resolve the issue (perhaps looking at a solution similar to that agreed between the PC and Southgrounds Farm to solve the flooding on Sands Road)? See separate document (9f). There was a discussion about the factors that need to be considered when asking farmers to help with Highways issues as it can sometimes cause them complications and agreement that the PC need to be mindful of this when contacting landowners for their support with such matters. Cllr Crowson proposed, Cllr Abbey seconded and it was resolved unanimously to contact the landowner. Clerk to action.
108:24 MATTERS IN ABEYANCE: None
109.24 CLERK’S REPORT
Verbal update from Clerk on any matters arising since October’s PC meeting.
a. The Village Clean is scheduled for Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th December.
b. Confirmation by email that DCC’s PRoW Team have authorised a £500 payment to SPC as per request/bids submitted by Clerk in Feb 2024 for the P3 Scheme (not £1,000 as previously suggested) – note monies not yet in bank account. The PC will need to collect a replacement finger post from Ivybridge.
110:24 CHAIR’S REPORT
Verbal update from Chair on any matters arising since October’s PC meeting.
a. Community Café: The first session, today, was attended by 14 people so it was a good start. There is one space on the rota still to fill. Cllr Sutton asked how many cakes bakers needed to make and Cllr Abbey confirmed that one cake and perhaps one tray bake or some biscuits would be sufficient. Cllr Abbey requested that thanks to all the bakers and to the volunteers were minuted.
b. Save our Shoreline: Cllr Abbey is meeting with James Morrison of Save our Shoreline on 07.11.24 to share information from the SLP and find out more about the organisations aims/next steps.
c. Slapton Line Partnership: Cllr Clark, Chair of Strete PC, has been following up on all outstanding actions/issues from the SLP meeting in March 2024 and has been questioning the job description/recruitment timeframes etc. for the new SLP Adaptation Manager. Cllr Abbey is considering contacting Caroline Voaden MP to arrange a meeting between Slapton PC and herself to ensure she is representing the interests of the PC and its parishioners adequately.
d. Community Support Group: This sub-committee has now been closed.
111:24 COUNCILLOR UPDATES
.
Verbal update from Cllr Sutton on OPCC.
a. Cllr Sutton explained that there is nothing of particular interest to Slapton PC to report except that the Office of National Stats show that Devon and Cornwall now has the 6th lowest Crime rate in the country compared to the 3rd in previous reports, which is mainly due to increased reporting of drug crime and also changes to the recording and call handling of crimes.
b. Cllr Sutton has met with Ed Thomas, Neighbourhood Community Team Leader. Ed was a detective for 15 years before taking up the Neighbourhood Community Team Leader role. He covers a large area and is very busy but he is keen to work with Parish Councils. Ed would like to come along to a PC meeting maybe in the new year. Ed has confirmed that Jessica Harris from Dartmouth team will come along on the Monday 18th November to the Café. Clerk to advertise on website and a few select posters.
112:24 REVIEW OF ACTION LOG
a. No updates necessary on the action log – See separate document (14a).
113:24 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? Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Mitchelmore seconded and it was resolved unanimously to make the following payments:
| Payment no | Details of payment | Amount GBP | Paid for noting |
| 91 | Parish Online Website Oct 24 to Oct 54. Invoice no: 18UG043-0008, dated 10.10.24 | 240.00
200 + 40 VAT |
|
| VISA92 | Sainsburys. Halloween Event 26th October. Receipt dated 19.10.24 | 22.45 | |
| 93 | PCC of Slapton. Mowing – War Memorial. Invoice dated 22.10.24 | 250.00 | |
| 94 | Nick Walker Printing. Community Café posters printing and laminating x 20. Invoice no: SL-93836, dated 24.10.24 | 45.40
41.00 + 4.40 VAT |
|
| 95 | Noticeboard Company. New noticeboard for Greenbanks. Invoice no: 22353, dated 24.10.24 | 1,542.43
1,285.36 + 257.07 VAT |
|
| 96 | Kingsbridge RBL – Remembrance Wreath, dated Oct 24 | 25.00 | |
| 97 | Filmbank Media Licence for 26th October Film (Community Cinema). Invoice no: 06326589, dated 28.10.24 | 104.40
87.00 + 17.40 VAT |
|
| 98 | The British Federation of Film Societies (Cinema for All) equipment hire 7th December. Invoice no: INV-3785, dated 28.10.24 | 50.00 | |
| 99 | Clerk’s salary October plus £24 WFH allowance | 845.20 | |
| 100 | Woolston Accounts October payroll. Invoice no: 0540, dated 31.10.24 | 20.00 | |
| 101 | Devon Audit Partnership (internal audit). Invoice no: 55426740, dated 02.08.24 (only received on 31.10.24 as they originally sent it to the wrong email address!) | 804.00
670.00 + 130.00 VAT
|
|
| VISA102 | Amazon EU. Nespresso Citiz Coffee Machine (Community Café). Invoice no: GB47J9TSRAEUI, dated 30.10.24 | 158.63 | Paid |
| VISA103 | Amazon (Mmma ohallaran limited). Nespresso Coffee Pods (Community Café). Invoice no: GB-1137456725-2024-23238, dated 30.10.24 | 59.38 | Paid |
| 104 | Nick Mathias October mowing. Invoice no: 1934/25, dated 03.11.24 | 371.91 | |
| 105 | Nick Mathias October Road Warden. Invoice no: 1935/25, dated 03.11.24 | 369.35 | |
| DD106 | VC Warehouse Nov phone. Invoice no: 1014622, dated 01.11.24 | 11.94
9.95 + 1.99 VAT |
b. Balance at bank
| Balance as per bank statements on 29.10.24 | Amount GBP |
| Events Treasurers Account (money from Cardnet machine sales at Community Cinema on 26.10.24 still not processed) | 0 |
| Treasurers Account | 17,207.90 |
| Instant Access Savings Account | 14,009.08 |
| Total | 31,216.98 |
c. Receipts summary
| Receipts as per bank statements on 29.10.24 | Amount GBP |
| Events Treasurers Account | 0 |
| Treasurers Account
· 15-Oct BGC DEVONCC 5283766 Localities grant for noticeboard at Greenbanks £562.36 · 28-Oct Cash PO 71 73 FORE ST. Cash from Community Cinema 26.10.24 £126.00 |
688.36 |
| Instant Access Savings Account (October interest) | 11.50 |
| Total | 699.86 |
114:24 AOB
a. Cllr Mitchelmore has requested some dog fouling signs. Clerk to provide.
Next Parish Council meeting will be held on
Monday 2nd December at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.
Signed: Date:
