Council Meeting – 10th February 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 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 10th February 2025, 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
i. Unitary authorities: Any further updates?
ii. P3 scheme: Payment of £500 confirmed – still not received. Any possibility of following this up?
iii. AOB?

b. Cllr L. Lawford
i. Memorial Car Park – condition of surface: Update on possible solutions and timeframes
ii. SLP: Update on appointment of Adaptation Manager and date of next meeting.
iii. South Hams Festival: How do Parish Councils register an interest – no information on line currently?
iv. Deer Bridge: Update on whether the land can be used for a shepherds hut and yurt as proposed by the landowners and if planning permission would be necessary.
v. AOB?

6) MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON 6th January 2025, if agreed, to be signed by the Chair as a true and correct record. See separate document (6).

7) PLANNING

a. Applications: None

b. Decisions (for information only): None

c. Trees Works (for information only – Tree Wardens will assess and comment):

i. 0083/25/TCA Starlings Prospect Hill Slapton TQ7 2PT
T1: Oak. (Quercus sp) – Remove 2 lowest limbs over neighbour’s drive (over road) and reduce next lowest limb by 1.5m – to reduce tree overhanging road and to increase height for vehicle access. T2: Oak – Remove 1 lowest limb over road and reduce next 2 lowest limbs by 1.5m – to reduce tree overhanging road and to increase height for vehicle access. T3: Oak – Remove 1 lowest limb over road and reduce 1 over extended lateral limb on western side by 1.5m. T4: Oak – Remove 2 lowest limbs over road and reduce next 2 lowest limbs by 1.5m – to reduce tree overhanging road and to increase height for vehicle access. T5: Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) – Coppice – to increase light and airflow to thatch roof of neighbour’s house. T6: Oak – Remove 1 lowest limb over road and remove lowest limb on western side – to reduce tree overhanging road and to increase height for vehicle access. T7: Hazel (Corylus avellana) – Coppice – to increase light and airflow to thatch roof of neighbour’s house. T8: Sycamore – Coppice – to increase light and airflow to thatch roof of neighbour’s house.

ii. 0234/25/TCA The Old Shippen Slapton TQ7 2PN
T1: Lime (Tilia sp) – Remove due to heavy lean – next to old wall and looks unsightly after previous heavy pollard.

iii. 0299/25/TCA Carlane Lodge Carr Lane Slapton TQ7 2PU
T1 Damson (Prunus institia) – reduce top by 1.5m, reduce W side by 2.5m. T2 & T4: Damson – reduce top by 1.5m, reduce W side by 1.5m, reduce E side by 1.5m. T3: Damson – reduce top by 2.5m, reduce W side by 1.5m, reduce E side by 1.5m. All to be drop crotch pruned.

d. Withdrawn (for information only): None

8) MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION

a. Deer Bridge site: What are the PC’s thoughts? See separate document.

9) PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION: None

10) MATTERS IN ABEYANCE: None

11) CLERK’S REPORT

a. Update from Clerk on any matters arising since January’s PC meeting – see separate document.

12) CHAIR’S REPORT

a. Verbal update from Chair on any matters arising since January’s PC meeting to include:
i. Verbal update following meeting with John Fewings, DCC Highways

13) COUNCILLOR REPORTS
.
a. Written update on meeting with EA from Cllr Osborne – see separate document.
b. Written update on DALC meeting re Unitary Authorities from Cllr Osborne – see separate document.
c. Verbal update from Cllr Lange on flooding between Alston and Dittiscombe
d. Verbal update from Cllr Sutton on OPCC

14) REVIEW OF ACTION LOG

a. Cllr and Clerk 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
VISA129	Amazon e-Gift Card, Cllr Luscombe. Invoice no: EUVINS1-OFS-GB-365129325, dated 19.01.25	50.00	Paid
VISA130	Amazon, Flintoft Ironmongers Ltd, Heavy Duty Broom for Road Warden. Invoice no:GB5012AA5Y8LLI, dated 20.01.25	16.99 14.16 + 2.83 VAT	Paid
VISA131	Amazon, Garden Waste Bags for Road Warden. Invoice no: DS-AEU-INV-GB-2025-34141473, dated 19.01.25	11.99 9.99 + 2.00 VAT	Paid
132	DALC, Clerk’s year end & audit course. Invoice no: 6232, dated 31.01.25	42.00 35.00 + 7.00 VAT
133	VC Warehouse Feb phone. Invoice no: 1015018 , dated 01.02.25	11.94 9.95 + 1.99 VAT
134	Nick Mathias January Road Warden. Invoice no: 1969/25, dated 01.02.25	367.91
135	Woolston Accounts January payroll. Invoice no: INV-0645 , dated 03.02.25	20.00
136	Clerk’s salary January plus £24 WFH allowance	845.20

*Any additional invoices received before the meeting will be shared at the meeting.

 

b. Balance at bank

 

Balance as per bank statements on 03.02.25	Amount GBP
Events Treasurers Account	0
Treasurers Account	9,757.02
Instant Access Savings Account	12,886.43
Total	22,643.45

 

c. Receipts summary

 

Receipts as per bank statements on 03.02.25	Amount GBP
Events Treasurers Account	0
Treasurers Account HMRC VAT return £607.00 Slapton Community Village Shop Cinema Tickets Oct and Dec £162.00	769.00
Instant Access Savings Account (January interest)	11.60
Total	780.60

Next Parish Council meeting will be held on
Monday 3rd March 2025 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.

Signed: Bella Moor, Clerk

Date: 4th February 2025

 

MINUTES

Those in attendance: Cllr J. Abbey (Chair), Cllr M. Crowson, Cllr S. Lange, Cllr G. Sutton and Cllr J. Brazil (left ~7.40 pm)

 

No members of the public were in attendance.

 

144:24 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: The PC resolved unanimously to accept the reasons for the apologies for absence from Cllr I. Mitchelmore, Cllr C. Staines, Cllr P. Osborne and Cllr I. Luscombe. Cllr J. Waters was not in attendance.

 

145:24 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None

 

146:24 PUBLIC COMMENT: None

 

147:24 POLICE REPORT: None

 

148:24 COUNTY and DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS

a. Cllr J. Brazil – District

i. Memorial Car Park surface: Contact Emma Widdecombe at SHDC for an update. There was also a discussion about campers pouring waste products into the Ley and Cllr Brazil suggested that the PC also contact Emma Widdecombe about the possibility of signage directing visitors to toilet facilities at Torcross and Strete Gate. Cllr Brazil confirmed the gate would be locked during ‘High’ Season. Clerk to contact Emma Widdecombe.

ii. Slapton Line Partnership: Cllr Brazil will check and confirm the date for the next SLP meeting.

iii. District Council budget meeting: Cllr Brazil noted that the District Council’s budget is balanced and will be agreed at a meeting on Thursday 13^th February. However, the District Council has received a low settlement from the Government, who have withdrawn the rural settlements grant and will not cover National Insurance increases for District Councils (only County Councils). Hence, there will be a 2.99 % increase in Council Tax (the maximum increase before a referendum is triggered).

iv. SHDC car parks: The PayByPhone apps are now in use. To ensure you are charged a residents’ rate at car parks you MUST register with South Hams District Council.

v. Deer Bridge camp site: Cllr Brazil thought that the 60 day limit would apply and understood that Cllr Lawford had been or will be in touch with the PC’s Clerk.

 

b. Cllr J. Brazil – County

i. Unitary Authorities: Cllr Brazil confirmed that Unitary Authorities will have populations of 500,000 people and will cover large geographical areas in Devon (so not local). There are concerns from District Councils about the significant costs involved in the move to becoming Unitary Authorities and that there are few examples available where they have delivered financial savings. Cllr Lange asked if Government is listening to these concerns. Cllr Brazil advised that they are pushing ahead regardless. There will be a meeting imminently between decision makers to decide land boundaries in Devon for the Unitary Authorities.

 

149:24 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD Monday 6^th January were agreed unanimously and signed by the Chair as a true and correct record.

 

150:24 PLANNING 

a. Applications: None

 

b. Decisions (for information only): None

 

c. Tree Works (for information only – Tree Wardens will assess and comment):

i. 0083/25/TCA Starlings Prospect Hill Slapton TQ7 2PT

T1: Oak. (Quercus sp) – Remove 2 lowest limbs over neighbour’s drive (over road) and reduce next lowest limb by 1.5m – to reduce tree overhanging road and to increase height for vehicle access. T2: Oak – Remove 1 lowest limb over road and reduce next 2 lowest limbs by 1.5m – to reduce tree overhanging road and to increase height for vehicle access. T3: Oak – Remove 1 lowest limb over road and reduce 1 over extended lateral limb on western side by 1.5m. T4: Oak – Remove 2 lowest limbs over road and reduce next 2 lowest limbs by 1.5m – to reduce tree overhanging road and to increase height for vehicle access. T5: Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) – Coppice – to increase light and airflow to thatch roof of neighbour’s house. T6: Oak – Remove 1 lowest limb over road and remove lowest limb on western side – to reduce tree overhanging road and to increase height for vehicle access. T7: Hazel (Corylus avellana) – Coppice – to increase light and airflow to thatch roof of neighbour’s house. T8: Sycamore – Coppice – to increase light and airflow to thatch roof of neighbour’s house.

ii. 0234/25/TCA The Old Shippen Slapton TQ7 2PN

T1: Lime (Tilia sp) – Remove due to heavy lean – next to old wall and looks unsightly after previous heavy pollard.

iii. 0299/25/TCA Carlane Lodge Carr Lane Slapton TQ7 2PU

T1 Damson (Prunus institia) – reduce top by 1.5m, reduce W side by 2.5m. T2 & T4: Damson – reduce top by 1.5m, reduce W side by 1.5m, reduce E side by 1.5m. T3: Damson – reduce top by 2.5m, reduce W side by 1.5m, reduce E side by 1.5m. All to be drop crotch pruned.

 

d. Withdrawn (for information only): None

 

151:24 PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION

a. Deer Bridge site: The PC raised the issue with Cllr Brazil, who felt that it might be allowed under the 60-day rule. It was agreed that the PC would follow up again with Cllr Lawford, continue to object to use of the site for camping and continue to support residents with their objections. It was resolved unanimously that the Clerk should arrange an appointment with a duty planner at SHDC to better understand the legalities. Clerk to action.

 

152:24 MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION: None

 

153:24 MATTERS IN ABEYANCE: None

 

154:24 CLERK’S REPORT

a. Update from Clerk on any matters arising since January’s PC meeting – see separate document (11a). The Clerk added that two fallen trees had been cut and cleared to the side, but not removed on Footpath 2.

 

155:24 CHAIR’S REPORT

a. Verbal update from Chair on any matters arising since January’s PC meeting:

i. Update following meeting with John Fewings, DCC Highways: John Fewings confirmed that he is due to retire before the end of February and is unlikely to be replaced due to the planned move towards Unitary Authorities. Cllrs Abbey and Osborne shared the PCs concerns and emphasised the need for better communication between the Neighbourhood Highway Officer and the PC. Cllrs Abbey and Osborne confirmed that they would be willing to visit the offices in Ivybridge for a meeting with the Neighbourhood Highway Officer and requested that John Fewings arrange this. Cllr Abbey followed up this request by email during the w/c 3^rd February and has received no reply to date. Cllr Abbey will contact Cllr Stuart Hughes again. Cllr Abbey to action.

ii. Communication with parishioners:

• A parishioner reported overnight camper vans, at the Memorial Car Park, emptying toilet waste into the Ley – see report to Cllr Brazil in minute ref: 148:24 a i.
• A parishioner reported a fallen tree on Footpath 2. This has now been cut and cleared to the side of the footpath, but not removed. All complaints or concerns about footpaths in the Parish should be referred to Devon County Council, who are responsible for their maintenance, and can be reported online: https://www.devon.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/report-a-problem/report-a-problem-with-a-public-right-of-way/. Cllrs and Clerk to refer parishioners to this website should they have future concerns.
• A parishioner concerned about their planning application contacted Cllr Abbey. The PC has not yet had sight of the application but will review it, once the application has been forwarded by SHDC, and will add it to the agenda as is normal with all planning applications in the Parish. Cllr Abbey will advise the parishioner that they would be welcome to attend the PC’s meeting and speak during the public session about their application if their planning application is on the agenda. Cllr Abbey to action.
• A parishioner has suggested that a bus stop at Greenbanks, for children catching the school bus, would be a good idea. Clerk to find out whether this would come under the remit of DCC, SHDC or PC. Clerk to action.

 

156:24 COUNCILLOR REPORTS

a. Written update on meeting with EA from Cllr Osborne – see separate document: Cllrs acknowledged the report and thanked Cllrs Crowson and Osborne for attending the meeting.

b. Written update on DALC meeting re Unitary Authorities from Cllr Osborne – see separate document: Cllrs acknowledged the report and thanked Cllr Osborne for attending the meeting.

c. Verbal update from Cllr Lange on flooding between Alston and Dittiscombe: Cllr Lange confirmed that following a site visit and discussions with Mr Waters (the landowner of the field adjacent to the flooded stretch of road), a ditch has now been dug where an original/overgrown ditch existed and that the water has drained. Cllr Lange explained that Mr Harris did the work for the PC in the landowners’ field for free. There is still a substantial amount of mud on the road, which the Clerk has reported to DCC Highways – it is unknown whether they have taken any further action yet. The PC expressed their appreciation and thanks to Mr Harris for his help and to Cllr Lange for arranging. The Clerk will add regular clearance of the pipe (from the road into the ditch) to the Road Warden’s contract from April 2025 onwards. Clerk to action.

d. Verbal update from Cllr Sutton on OPCC: Cllr Sutton explained that there are 4 OPCC conference type meetings a year on Tuesday mornings. He is unable to attend them as he has other commitments on Tuesdays, but will catch up with the online recordings/notes. Cllr Sutton has reminded the local Neighbourhood Team Leader, who is attending Dartmouth Town Council’s meeting in March, that he is welcome to attend a Slapton PC meeting. The Team Leader has confirmed that he would like to do so. Cllr Sutton also followed up on Cllr Crowson’s query about local crime trends in relation to farms. A PCSO from the local team has spoken to the Rural Crime Officer and both would be happy to visit Cllr Crowson to discuss. Cllr Crowson to let Cllr Sutton know some dates and times he might be available. Cllr Crowson to action.

 

157:24 REVIEW OF ACTION LOG

a. Cllr and Clerk updates on any pending actions/actions requiring a status update in the action log – See separate document (14a) – are as follows:

i. Path between bus stop and Park and Walk: Cllr Lange has walked the route and in normal weather conditions it is not too muddy. It was felt that it is worth monitoring and perhaps considering adding scrapings before next Winter – these will need to be compacted so a compactor will need to be borrowed or hired.

ii. Recruiting volunteer slides and free 2 hours support: Cllr Abbey has shared the slides and will find out more about the type of support available.

iii. Confirm Ed’s (Neighbourhood Team Leader – police) visit to the Community Café: Cllr Sutton explained that as a PCSO visited before Christmas, the Fire Brigade had been invited to attend on 24^th February instead.

 

158:24 FINANCIAL MATTERS

a. Payments to approve: Cllr Abbey proposed, Cllr Lange seconded and it was resolved unanimously to approve the following payments:

Payment no	Details of payment	Amount GBP	Paid for noting
VISA129	Amazon e-Gift Card, Cllr Luscombe. Invoice no: EUVINS1-OFS-GB-365129325, dated 19.01.25	50.00	Paid
VISA130	Amazon, Flintoft Ironmongers Ltd, Heavy Duty Broom for Road Warden. Invoice no:GB5012AA5Y8LLI, dated 20.01.25	16.99 14.16 + 2.83 VAT	Paid
VISA131	Amazon, Garden Waste Bags for Road Warden. Invoice no: DS-AEU-INV-GB-2025-34141473, dated 19.01.25	11.99 9.99 + 2.00 VAT	Paid
132	DALC, Clerk’s year end & audit course. Invoice no: 6232, dated 31.01.25	42.00 35.00 + 7.00 VAT
133	VC Warehouse Feb phone. Invoice no: 1015018 , dated 01.02.25	11.94 9.95 + 1.99 VAT
134	Nick Mathias January Road Warden. Invoice no: 1969/25, dated 01.02.25	367.91
135	Woolston Accounts January payroll. Invoice no: INV-0645 , dated 03.02.25	20.00
136	Clerk’s salary January plus £24 WFH allowance	845.20	Paid
137	Village Hall: Community Café 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th January. Invoice no: C02959/25, dated 04.02.25	100.00
138	Village Hall: Parish Council Meeting 6th and Highways Meeting 15th January. Invoice no: C02960/25, dated 04.02.25	40.00
139	Tomlinson Solutions Annual subscription – Microsoft 365 Business Basic License for 10x emails and annual Barracuda Cloud Backup – 2x user licences (Clerk and Chair). Invoice no: INV-11092, dated 06.02.25	838.08 698.40 + 139.68 VAT
140	Nick Mathias February mowing. Invoice no: 1971/25, dated 10.02.25	498.26
141	Transfer of funds to Slapton Community Cinema, which has become its own unincorporated community group, dated 04.02.25	1100.97	Paid

 

b. Balance at bank

Balance as per bank statements on 03.02.25	Amount GBP
Events Treasurers Account	0
Treasurers Account	9,757.02
Instant Access Savings Account	12,886.43
Total	22,643.45

 

c. Receipts summary

Receipts as per bank statements on 03.02.25	Amount GBP
Events Treasurers Account	0
Treasurers Account HMRC VAT return £607.00 Slapton Community Village Shop Cinema Tickets Oct and Dec £162.00	769.00
Instant Access Savings Account (January interest)	11.60
Total	780.60

d. Financial updates for information: Monies were transferred from the PC to Slapton Community Cinema on 04.02.25 (£1,051.97 + £49.00 for Cardnet Machine = £1,100.97). The PC acknowledged the amount transferred and resolved unanimously that it was correct.

 

Next Parish Council meeting will be held on
Monday 3^rd March 2025 at 7.00 pm at Slapton Village Main Hall.

 

Signed:                                                                                                                        Date: