Council Meeting – 9th January 2023

Agenda – 9th January 2023

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be the monthly meeting of the Parish Council held on: Monday 9^th January at Slapton Village Hall (main hall) at 7.00pm.

If any parishioners wish to either attend the meeting/and or speak, please submit your papers and questions by email to slaptonclerk@gmail.com 48hrs in advance of the meeting. The public comment section is 15 minutes in duration with 3 minutes allocated per person.

The PC also encourage all attendees to follow the Government Living with Covid Guidelines / section 56, safer behaviours.

IN THE COLERIDGE HUNDRED OF THE SOUTH HAMS OF DEVON

 The following Councillors are summoned to attend:

J Hinder (Chair), Cllr J Abbey (Vice Chair), Cllr Crowson, Cllr Mr I Mitchelmore, Cllr D Murphy, Cllr Staines, Cllr S Sullock, Cllr Waters.

Cllr J Brazil, Cllr R. Foss, PC Oli Abercrombie, Kate Payne (Centre Manager FSC) and members of the public are invited.

1. AGENDA

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

3. 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.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT

5. POLICE REPORT
a). Devon and Cornwall Police Councillor Advocate Scheme Update, Cllr Murphy.
b). Vison Zero programme update – PC Ollie Abercrombie

6. DISTRICT AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT
Cllr J Brazil:
a). Highways Update – PC speed sign brief.
b). A379 Update
c). DCC Stakeholder Relations Office – Phil Durrant
d). DCC painted pedestrian path – District meeting motion update.
e). Basket Ball Grant redistribution.
Cllr R Foss:
a). A379 update
b). Monument relocation update. DCC Development Management Committee meeting 7/12/2022 Beach Monument relocation planning application – Update Cllr Abbey meeting with MP Anthony Mangnall 20^th January 2022

7. MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 5^th December 2022, if agreed, to be signed by the Chair as a true and correct record.

8. REVIEW OF THE ACTION LOG

9. MATTERS IN ABEYANCE
a). Village Map – Pending Beach Monument relocation.
b). Slapton Line Magazine – Chairs next editorial copy deadline.
c). Winter community coffee hub / PC Surgery / Family Film Club – For discussion item

10. PLANNING
Applications:
4213/22/HHO – Langford Down Cottage, Slapton TQ7 2QD
Proposal: Householder application for proposed detached garage with associated external/landscaping works.4214/22/LBC – Langford Down Cottage, Slapton TQ7 2QD
Proposal: Householder application for proposed detached garage with associated external/landscaping works.

Decisions
2335/22/FUL – Pittaford Farm, Slapton. TQ7 2QG
Retention of existing log cabin as permanent rural workers dwelling
Decision: Conditional Approval3430/22/CLB – Churchways Church Lane Slapton TQ7 2QS
Proposal: Certificate of Lawfulness for proposed works to a Listed Building to raise chimney height by 600m
Decision: Cert of Lawfulness (Proposed) Certified3625/22/HHO – Watergate Cottage Start Slapton TQ7 2QD
Proposal: Householder application for insertion of new window to replace one being blocked up following planning consent 4192/19/HHO
Decision: Conditional Approval

Withdrawn – None

11. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION
a). Review / Approve for resolution 2023 Budget and Precept Demand
b). Agree ringfenced items to transfer to Savings account.
c). Village Cleaning 17^th January 2023 – Posters and Car Notices arrangements.
d). Sustainable communities Act – A379 and Parish Wide Survey.
e). 2023 Mowing plan and Road Warden schedule of works contract update.
f). Recreation field:
i. Gate installation.
ii. Basket Ball Hoop.
iii. Recreation field sign quote.
g). Winter Community event grants: Mondays at the Hall Community Café/PC Clinic, All Stars Youth Club and Monthly Film Club.
h). Coronation – Bank Holiday Parish Celebration – 8 May
i). Agree PC working group dates and topics
j). Agree date for the Annual Parish Meeting and Annual Parish Council Meeting (1^st meeting of the new Council) Tuesday 9^th or Monday 15^th May).

12. PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION
a). To approve for resolution payment of Beers Solicitors Recreation Field Lease legal fees of £525.00+Vat.

13. CHAIRS REPORT

14. REPORTS
a). To receive an update from the clerk on matters ongoing.
b). For Cllrs to highlight matters which require attention or future agenda items

15. FINANCIAL MATTERS
a). Council to approve the following payments:

110/22 – £80.00 Nick Mathias – Clearance of Debris on Brook Steet after farmers cutting of no mans land overhang which DCC would not undertake.  Invoice 1540/22 dated 29/11/23. (Paid 15/12/22 for noting).
111/22 – £32.00 Slapton Village Hall, Invoice C12747/22 dated 6/12/22. Use of the Hall on 4/11/22 with kitchen. Meeting Vice Chair and Clerk. (Paid 15/12/22 for Noting).
112/22- £865.06 Clerks salary and expenses. (Paid 4-1-22 for Noting).
113/22 – £21.09 December NEST employee/employer contribution.
114/22 – £20.00 Woolston Accounting – Monthly Nov payroll. Invoice 2411 dated 28/12/22
115/22 – £300.00 Nick Mathias – Dec Road Warden Work. Invoice 1548/23 dated 31/12/22.
116/22 – £11.94 VC Warehouse – VOIP CSG/PC telephone help line monthly rental (Nov).  Invoice 1011543 dated 12/12/22 (Paid 15/12/22 by DD- For noting).

b). Balance at Bank 3/1/23: £22,744.03
Treasurers Account £13,233.11
Instant Access Savings Account £9,510.92

c). Receipts summary:
Treasurers Account: £780.00
Instant Access Savings Account interest £2.18
Total Receipts: £782.18

d). £780.00 DCC Growing Communities Grant received 9/12/22 – Winter Weekly Community Social and PC drop-in clinics.

e). £150.00 Field Study Centre Donation Approved pending payment – Contribution to the Drain and Ditch Clearance opposite the FSC.

f). HMCEF Mid-Year Grant to DCC Highways 31-10-22 £3,308.00 – Still awaiting reply.

16. Next Parish Council monthly meeting will be held on Monday 6^th February 2023 at 7.00pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.

Members of the public wishing to attend are asked to follow the Governments Living with Covid Guidelines.

Signed: Louise Soothill-Ward, Clerk 4/1/23

 

Minutes – 9th January 2023

Present: Cllr J Hinder (Chair), Cllr Abbey (Vice Chair), Cllr Mitchelmore, Cllr Murphy, Cllr Sullock, Cllr Crowson, Cllr Staines, Cllr Waters.

In attendance: Cllr J Brazil (7.30pm – 8.15pm). Cllr R Foss (7pm – 8.05pm)

124-22 Apologies for absence – None.
125-22 Declarations of interest – None.
126.22 Public comment – None.
127.22 Devon and Cornwall Police Councillor Advocate Scheme Update – None.

128.22 County & District Councillor reports

 1). Cllr J Brazil:

a). Reported the Modbury Road was now open.
b). The DCC cabinet meeting will be held on the 11^th January to discuss the budget monitoring report. There is a £6M-£7M gap in the special educational needs and disabilities budget. The Head of Children’s Services has been released from their duties and replaced with a new acting head, Julia Woodster from Somerset, who has a good track record. Whitehall are threatening to take Children’s Services away from Devon and DCC will know their decision in 2 months’ time.
c). DCC Precept – Will be increased to 5% (3% base costs and 2% social care). County Council elections will be held in 2025, only Districts, Exeter and Plymouth Councils are holding elections in 2023. All parishioners will now need to show ID to vote at polling stations e.g. passport or driving licence, or apply for a DCC ID card via the SHDC returning officer by emailing:electoralservices@southhams.gov.uk. Postal votes are not affected.  Cllr Brazil felt these vote suppression techniques will erode democracy and was unsupportive of the process, especially given there was no impersonation voting fraud in the UK.  Chair to update parishioners in the Slapton Lines.
d). Highways Updates:

a. Cllr Brazil stated he would support the future Sands Road Flood mitigations initiatives within the PC’s report with a matched funding grant from the Link County Budget of £800, including measures to prevent large coaches entering the village and protect the soft verges. Clerk to apply using the DCC online form.
b. Ditch maintenance. Many ditches are soakaways and the responsibility of landowners. Cllr Brazil was uncertain on the criteria for ditches to be maintained by DCC Highways and that DCC budget cuts will be an issue for any future parish maintenance.
c. A379 – Cllr Abbey reported herself and Cllr Crowson would be attending the Slapton Lines Partnership meeting on 24/2/23.
d. DCC Stakeholder Relations Office – Phil Durrant is responsible for managing and communicating DCC road closure notices in the Totnes, Averton Gifford and Slapton areas.
e. DCC painted pedestrian path motion did not receive approval at the County meeting although the mood was changing towards following Cornwall’s 20mph limits in all areas. At the next HATTOC meeting on 3^rd February, Cllr Brazil will be asking for a protocol to allow PC’s to pay for DCC Highways works so that DCC funding is not a barrier and that PC’s are not liable for the works as these will be signed off by DCC.
f. Basket Ball Grant redistribution. The Chair reported they had spoken to families and children at Greenbanks who had requested the basket ball hoop be sited in the playground and not the recreation field given the speeding on the road leading to the field. Cllr Brazil approved the re-distribution of the £300 grant towards a second SWAST village defibrillator and advised to apply now and ringfence the funds until the remaining funds could be raised. Cllr Foss confirmed the £500 localities grant for the basket ball hoop was still in place. The Chair was awaiting a reply from SHDC for permission to install. Chair/Clerk to Apply for the Defib grant and SHDC basketball grant before mid-February 2023.

Cllr Brazil left the meeting at 7.45pm

Cllr R Foss:
e). Asked the PC to remind residents to register for their 2023 brown bin collections by 22^nd January 2022 to ensure added to the rounds. The cost is £49 per household per annum. Clerk to post public notices.
f). SHDC have produced a list of what can go for recycling. Cllr Foss to circulate to the PC.
g). A379 update – The next meeting of the Slapton Lines Partnership will be held on 24/2/23.
h). Monument relocation update. Planning permission to move the beach monument to Strete Gate was approved at the DCC Development Management Committee meeting on 7/12/2022. Strete PC were in discussions on the surface around the monument ascertaining if there would be a wheelchair friendly path.
i). The clerk asked the timings for the relocation and if the 3-metre cube base would remain in the shingle as it was key to defending the road and was Anthony Mangnall aware of the decision as he was presenting his report to Whitehall to protect the road. Cllr Foss advised that Natural England had the final say and the elasticity of the road must be in place. Cllr Foss agreed to discuss this with Anthony Mangnall MP at their meeting on 26^th January 2023. Cllr Abbey also agreed to discuss with Anthony Mangnall MP at her meeting on 3rd February. Updates next meeting.
j). Cllr Foss will be attending a planning application site visit with SHDC at Coltscombe on Monday 16^th January before this goes to committee. Cllr Abbey asked the timing of the visit so could attend.
k). Cllr Foss approved two 2022 localities grants: £500 basketball hoop/ £500 towards a 2^nd SWAST defibrillator. Clerk/Chair to apply and ringfence.
l). Pop up community coffee shop –Cllr Brazil and Cllr Foss were invited to attend by the Chair. Clerk to forward dates and details.

Cllr Foss left the meeting at 8.05pm

130.22 Review of Action Log – Clerk to update the action log.
131.22 Matters in Abeyance
a). Village Map – Pending Beach Monument relocation.
b). Slapton Line Magazine – Chairs next editorial copy deadline.
c). Winter community coffee hub / PC Surgery / Family Film Club – For discussion

132.22 Planning
Applications:
4213/22/HHO – Langford Down Cottage, Slapton TQ7 2QD
Proposal: Householder application for proposed detached garage with associated external/landscaping works. No comment.

4214/22/LBC – Langford Down Cottage, Slapton TQ7 2QD
Proposal: Householder application for proposed detached garage with associated external/landscaping works. No comment.

Decisions
2335/22/FUL – Pittaford Farm, Slapton. TQ7 2QG
Retention of existing log cabin as permanent rural workers dwelling.
Decision: Conditional Approval

3430/22/CLB – Churchways Church Lane Slapton TQ7 2QS
Proposal: Certificate of Lawfulness for proposed works to a Listed Building to raise chimney height by 600m
Decision: Cert of Lawfulness (Proposed) Certified

3625/22/HHO – Watergate Cottage Start Slapton TQ7 2QD
Proposal: Householder application for insertion of new window to replace one being blocked up following planning consent 4192/19/HHO
Decision: Conditional Approval

Withdrawn – None

133.22 Matters for discussion
a). The 2023 Budget and Precept Demand of £25,876.00 (11.92%) was reviewed. Cllr Abbey proposed and Cllr Mitchelmore seconded and the PC unanimously approved both for resolution. Add to Feb agenda.
b). The Chair proposed and Cllr Waters seconded the carry forward and transfer of the agreed ringfenced project budgets to the PC’s Savings account for the Recreation field gate/ Defibrillator/ Eco Grant. Clerk to a add to Feb agenda.
c). Village Cleaning 17^th January 2023 – Posters and Car Notices arrangements were agreed. Cllrs to action.
d). Sustainable communities Act – A379 and Parish Wide Survey. Agreed to carry. Add to Feb Agenda.
e). 2023 Mowing plan and Road Warden schedule of works contract update. Cllr Abbey proposed, Chair seconded to approve the new hourly rate from 1^st April 2023. Clerk to update and issue new contracts.
f). Recreation field Gate installation. Cllr Waters advised it was no longer possible to guarantee when the work could be done. As this matter was urgent, the PC agreed to ask the Road Warden to quote. Clerk to progress quote.
g). Basket Ball Hoop. Following parishioner feedback via the Chair, the PC approved the location at the Play Park. Chair to progress permissions with SHDC.
h). Recreation field sign quote. The Chair proposed and Cllr Abbey approved the sum of £335.00+vat. Clerk to progress.
i). Winter Community event grants: Mondays at the Hall Community Café. A grant of £780.00 was awarded to fund 12-week winter café and village hall hire wef 16^th Clerk and Cllr Abbey preparing launch. January Cllr attendance at the PC Clinic within the café was agreed and Feb to April to be agreed at the next meeting. It was agree to consult with the community re demand for an All Stars Youth Club and Monthly Film Club. Add community survey and PC clinic.
j). Coronation – Bank Holiday Parish Celebration – 8^th It was agreed that the Chair would write to the Church and Village Hall to see if a co-ordinated community event approach would be possible.
k). Agree working group dates and topics: Clerk to schedule meetings.
l). Agree date for the Annual Parish Meeting and Annual Parish Council Meeting/1^st meeting of the new Council (Tuesday 9^th or Monday 15^th May).

134.22 Proposals for Resolution
a). Cllr Waters proposed and Cllr Murphy seconded to approve for resolution the payment of Beers Solicitors Recreation Field Lease legal fees of £525.00+Vat.

135.22 Chairs Report – None

136.22 Reports
a). Clerks report:

• New PC website – Content writing and loading Visit: https://slaptonparishcouncil-devon.gov.uk/
• DCC Highways – Pending update on the following:
  • SCARF survey results and Speed Camera installation approval.
  • Power flush of the block drain into White Close.
• Defibrillator Checks.
• Annual PROW paths inspections Dec 3^rd and Dec 10^th 2023
• PC Planning submissions.
• 8 CSG Facebook and 8 PC website news posts drafted/SEO/posted.
• Meeting with Cllr Abbey and HM Prison Community Payback service.
• Village Cleaning – Re-tender and Liaison with new supplier / update public Notices
• SLCC Annual Devon Branch Meeting attendance 2^nd December 2022
• Community winter events – scoping paper, research, posters, liaison with insurance company and parishioner: Coffee at the Hall/ Community Youth Club and Community Film club.
• Office and budget administration.
• Notice board updating.
• Election promotion discussion paper and handover process paper
• Return of signed contracts to: HM Prison Service / Devon Auditors / Beers Solicitors
• Attendance at 3 meetings: Pre-meets with Cllr Abbey and Cllr Crowson and DCC Planning meeting concerning relocation of the beach monument and impact on the A379 concerns.
• Annual Leave 23^rd and 27^th to 30^th December – Out of office.

 WIP:

• 2023 Budget / Precept plan and submission by 17^th Jan 2023.
• 5-year Business plan.
• Website – Village Clubs additions / Google Analytics set up / transfer of old URL ownership.
• DCC SCARF survey, VAS ordering / Shop Grant Management.
• Submission of 2022 PROW paths inspections report by deadline of 7 Feb 2023

b). Cllrs reports:

• Cllr Sullock – Had reported the pothole on Wood Lane. Had noticed water on the road coming from Rosehill and Old Walls which was freezing and causing a skid / slip hazard. Raise with Cllr Foss at next meeting. The Christmas foodbank appeal had raised £325 in cash / 257 non-perishable items. Figures for 2022 were 1109 non perishable items/ £1325 cash and an unknown value of regular standing orders.
• Cllr Mitchelmore reported the missing width sign at the top of Sands Road Hill and would liaise with the Road Warden to re-instate and put the yellow signs and new signs into Jim’s Barn.
• Cllr Staines reported that speeding continues and BT were due to replace a telegraph pole.
• Cllr Waters reported they had received complaints regarding several developments in the parish. The Chair reported these had already been raised with SHDC planning and advised parishioners to also raised directly with SHDC planning department.

136.22 Financial matters

a). The Council unanimously approved the following payments:

110/22 £80.00 Nick Mathias – Clearance of Debris on Brook Steet after farmers cutting of no man’s land overhang which DCC would not undertake.  Invoice 1540/22 dated 29/11/23. (Paid 15/12/22 for noting).

111/22 £32.00 Slapton Village Hall, Invoice C12747/22 dated 6/12/22. Use of the Hall on 4/11/22 with kitchen. Meeting Vice Chair and Clerk. (Paid 15/12/22 for Noting).

112/22 £865.06 Clerk’s salary and expenses. (Paid 4-1-22 for Noting).

113/22 £21.09 December NEST employee/employer contribution

114/22 £20.00 Woolston Accounting – Monthly Nov payroll. Invoice 2411 dated 28/12/22

115/22 £300.00 Nick Mathias – Dec Road Warden Work. Invoice 1548/23 dated 31/12/22.

116/22 £11.94 VC Warehouse – VOIP CSG/PC telephone help line monthly rental (Nov).  Invoice 1011543 dated 12/12/22 (Paid 15/12/22 by DD- For noting).

b). Balance at Bank 3/1/23: £22,744.03
Treasurers Account £13,233.11
Instant Access Savings Account £9,510.92

c). Receipts summary:
Treasurers Account: £780.00
Instant Access Savings Account interest £2.18
Total Receipts: £782.18

d). £780.00 DCC Growing Communities Grant received 9/12/22 – Winter Weekly Community Social and PC drop-in clinics.

e). £150.00 Field Study Centre Donation Approved pending payment – Contribution to the Drain and Ditch Clearance opposite the FSC.

f). HMCEF Mid-Year Grant to DCC Highways 31-10-22 £3,308.00 – Still awaiting reply.

137.22 Next Parish Council monthly meeting to be held on Monday 6^th February 2023 at 7.00pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.

Members of the public wishing to attend to contact the clerk to book a seat following Government Living with Covid Guidelines

The meeting ended at 10.12pm

SIGNED:
Chair, Julie Hinder:
Dated:  6^th February 2023                                            

 All meeting agendas and minutes can be viewed at www.slaptonparishcouncil-devon.gov.uk