Held in Gittisham Parish Room
Present:
Village ward: Cllr A Rowe (Vice Chair), Cllr G Pester
Vale ward: Cllr A Rye, Cllr P Orchard, Cllr A Powell
In attendance: three members of the public, Fiona Clampin (clerk)
Before the start of the meeting, three members of the public exercised their right as parishioners to bring appropriate matters to the notice of the council.
The third member of the public said as a tenant farmer they had been given no information directly from the company interested in bringing fibre broadband to the parish. This is despite the fact any work would involve using the farmer’s land. Cllr Rowe said he had been in dialogue with the company and would pass this on.
One member of the public left the meeting.
Apologies for absence: Cllr C Hall (Chair), Cllr D Valentine, Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Cllr Richard Jefferies (DCC), PCSO Darren England
55/25 To accept and approve apologies
Apologies were received and accepted.
56/25 To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 10th July 2025
The minutes of the meeting held on 10th July 2025 were confirmed and signed by the Vice Chair.
57/25 To receive the Beat Manager’s Report
May 2025
Hedge Field Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences, 1 x criminal damage & arson
Hodges Close: 1 x anti-social behaviour
Hayne Lane: 1 x criminal damage & arson
June 2025
Hedge Field Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences, 1 x public order
58/25 To receive declarations of interest
Cllr Rowe declared an interest in agenda item 14 (minute ref. 68/25) as he is on the village hall committee.
59/25 To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
Cllr Rowe reported that the village fete had been a successful event, in spite of the poor weather. He thanked the parish council for its support.
60/25 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives, and to consider Local Government reorganisation
In his absence, Cllr Bruce sent the following report:
“As the political wheels grind back into motion after our hot dry summer, we find a number of issues still working through various committee stages. Perhaps the most pressing is the final stages of the strategic local plan. As many will be aware, this plan has had a painful and torturous creation. Not without controversy, we seem to still be at a stage where new sites are being added without, in my view, the correct amount of scrutiny. I am assured that when the plan finally goes out for public consultation this will be properly planned and made as easy as possible for the public to participate, and for feedback to make a difference. Sadly previous examples of this important part of the process have not generated much confidence in me. However, perhaps lessons have been learned for this one. We will see.
“The announcement on September 3rd regarding the potential new town, provisionally named Marlcombe near Exeter airport, is interesting in that it’s not clear how this potential number of houses will impact on the emerging strategic plan. I have asked for clarification.
“Many will have seen the farce of our new toilet blocks in Honiton, Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth. You would imagine that scenes of firemen breaking down toilet doors to release unfortunate members of the public would generate some serious activity at EDDC, and so it seems to be the case. A number of meetings are now scheduled to sort out this mess and ask some searching questions of officers and the manufacturer. I argued at the time that this was a big mistake, and voted against the removal of the old blocks. I strongly felt that costings to show the continued maintenance of the old buildings set against the upfront cost of the new blocks were not clear enough, nor the loss of capacity. I also argued that the toilets should be free, and to charge was unfair on locals, and off putting to tourists. To see images of the new blocks with doors out of order and worse, people trapped inside is simply disgraceful.
“Finally, I was heartened to see a political leader standing up to the reality of Trump. I have sent an email to Sir Ed Davey to thank him for taking a stand on his invitation by the King to attend a dinner in honour of the president. Whilst I echo many of the sentiments mentioned by Sir Ed for refusing to attend in his press release, I’m almost as much concerned for the reputation of our King. I know protocol and diplomacy require certain things from him, I just feel for him being put in this situation.”
61/25 To receive a report on the EDDC Local Plan and consider any actions arising
In his absence, Cllr Valentine sent the following report:
“The latest information from EDDC advises that there has been a delay in submitting the draft Local Plan for examination due to it being found necessary to hold a further public consultation to address the presentation of the policies and plans for the new settlement/urban extension to the east of Exeter (south of the airport). This will be taking place later this year and may provide an opportunity to present again the GPC objections to the overall plan.
“I say, may, because there may be challenges to the procedures being followed by EDDC. EDDC seem to believe that they can also introduce changes to the content and text of the first round of public consultation as part of this second round of public consultation due to some of the concerns that emerged during that first round consultation. But at the same time, exclude any further public comment. I am sure that the various legal teams will sort this out !!!!!!!! Given the change in timetable the earliest that the Examination in Public can take place is late 2026.
“I have provided Charlie Hopkins with a detailed brief including the full text of the submitted GPC objections, together with the complaint correspondence with EDDC and asked him to address the following questions :
“There are many policies within the Draft Local Plan that should be supported and are not contentious. Most of the general public will only have issues with a policy which has a direct negative impact on their day to day lifestyles. GPC have supported the more general policies but given the negative consequences of the site allocations Gitti_03/04/05 and the history of raising objection to any development to the west of Hayne Lane, the GPC consider that it is expedient to continue to raise concern. Should this concern be regarded as a challenge to the “soundness” of the Local Plan? What are the dangers and possible consequences in challenging the “soundness” of the Local Plan? How robust are the GPC objections?
“Given the history of decision making by EDDC including:
- the continuing allocation of the employment land (Gitti_03/04) to the north of the railway
- the recent Hayne Farm residential development of 290 dwellings (despite GPC objection)
- the change in officer recommendation at committee on 22nd October 2024
- the agent “masterplan” together with the GPC objections,
- what is the likelihood, following the Examination in Public, of any removal of the GITTI_03/04/05 allocations or partial deletions?
- Are there any other options that the GPC should be considering at this stage in the Local Plan process?
“Should anyone like to see the full text of the briefing note to Charlie then please let me know and I will forward it on. Charlie will be responding in due course.
“Shortly after I issued the briefing note to Charlie a planning appeal decision in respect of an outline planning application for 86 dwellings at Feniton was received. This is a summary
- Contrary to spatial strategy of current Local Plan
- Contrary to adopted Neighbourhood Plan
- Fails to meet Flood Risk requirements
- Negative sustainability issues
- Sewage treatment at capacity
- Loss of Grade 2 agricultural land (BMVAL)
- Impact on adjoining residential
- Proximity to Listed Buildings
- Biodiversity issues
However
- Would contribute 86 new dwellings in accordance with Government’s objectives
- Council unable to demonstrate 5 year housing land supply
- Current Local Plan out of date
- Lack of certainty regarding content of emerging Local Plan
- Offer of 50% affordable dwellings
- No substantive evidence regarding education health etc shortfalls
- CIL requirements available to cover education, health etc shortfalls
- Flood risk/sewage treatment to be mitigated by conditions
- Other details to be subject of reserved matters
- Would generate moderate economic benefits
- The adverse impacts are those identified previously in respect of the spatial strategy, flood risk and drainage, and that limited harm relating to the loss of BMVAL, whilst the benefits are those set out above. For all of the reasons given, I find that the adverse impacts would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, having regard to paragraph 11(d)(ii) of the Framework. This outweighs the conflict I have found would be caused with the development plan. Result – APPEAL ALLOWED.
“Should anyone like to see the full decision notice then let me know. This decision to allow the appeal and the findings of the appeal inspector should be disturbing to all parish councils in East Devon and is an example of what would happen in the event of further delays in the draft Local Plan process. Should the current draft Local Plan be found “unsound” the delays that would arise would provide developers with a clear signal to submit their planning applications. The signals may already be on green as evidenced by this appeal decision. Any further delays would also result in a recalculation of dwellings to be allocated within the plan period and result in a 20% increase in dwelling numbers for EDDC with consequent problems of finding sufficient land. This is my interpretation of the current situation and Charlie will elaborate further shortly.”
62/25 To consider the following planning applications:
- 25/0012/TPO – Land opp Garlands, Gittisham EX14 3AJ – details tbc
- 25/1552/LBC – The Lodge Gittisham EX14 3AD – Remove existing asbestos roof slates and felt, and replace with new natural slate roof with new ‘bat safe’ roof membrane, including partially dismantling and rebuilding existing chimney stack to match existing
- 25/1551/FUL – The Lodge Gittisham EX14 3AD – Remove existing asbestos roof slates and felt, and replace with new natural slate roof with new ‘bat safe’ roof membrane, including partially dismantling and rebuilding existing chimney stack to match existing
- 25/1365/PVJ – Gittisham Farm Gittisham EX14 3AX – Prior approval for the installation of 152 solar PV panels on a pitched roof
Members noted a) and d) and had no objections to either b) or c).
63/25 To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:
- To consider the provision of superfast broadband in the parish (Cllr Powell)
Cllr Powell explained that he and Clls Rowe, Hall and Valentine had met the owner of Radio Fibre, a company interested in bringing full fibre broadband to areas not yet served. Members noted that the company had heard of the situation in Gittisham following the public meeting the parish council arranged with Connecting Devon & Somerset. A trial scheme of certain properties has been discussed, involving residents claiming a voucher to recoup the cost and a connection box would be installed behind those properties. The discussions are at a very early stage, and all agreed on previous experience it would be wise to be cautious at this stage. One member of the public explained that people applying for vouchers would have to be in properties not already signed up to Voneus.
ACTION: Cllr Rowe to ask Radio Fibre if they had worked with other Devon parishes to date.
- To note the latest planning decision notices
25/0885/FUL Unit 3 Iron Bridge Industrial Estate Gittisham EX14 3AN – Proposed enlargement of existing commercial building to provide additional warehouse space. Approval with conditions, including working hours 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, with no working on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
- To receive an update on Highways
14 October 2000–2359hrs Road under Ironbridge closed to repair a safety defect.
Cllr Orchard said a resident had been in touch regarding what they regarded as speeding down Sidmouth Road at the roundabout with Old Elm Road.
ACTION: Clerk to contact resident and suggest they write to DCC as the highways authority and record any footage on a dashcam if possible.
- To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106
Cllr Orchard said Honiton TC’s next working group meeting was pencilled in for 10th September. Cllr Pester said a resident had asked if a football pitch or cricket pitch could be considered in the village, though members agreed that the availability of land could be an issue. The clerk explained that should the parish council wish to access any S106 funds, there is £3,794.15 available for ‘open spaces’. This money is held by EDDC and must be applied for using the appropriate process and is subject to approval by EDDC. The parish council currently holds £6,493.32 of CIL money.
- To receive an update on public transport
- To consider climate change measures within the parish, including proposals for rewilding land in the parish
Members discussed if any additional topsoil was required for the rewilded area off Old Elm Road, and Cllr Orchard agreed to take a look at the area behind Rowan Close where the matting has been installed.
- To consider limited residential development in the parish
There was no update this month.
- To consider the creation of a footpath linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village
The clerk said NHO Tom Cox from DCC had replied to her enquiry about installing some matting along the grass verge between Hayne Farm and the bridge close to the Otter Inn. He said “unfortunately a rough path surface would not be acceptable, as any works would need to conform to highway footway construction standards to ensure safety and durability. DCC would be unable to fund a footpath here but if the parish wished to take it forward on the above basis of highway footway construction, a Section 278 agreement could be considered, but it involves additional costs, including legal fees, safety audits, and the provision of a bond.”
Members agreed to ask DCC to include this project in future budget-setting.
ACTION: Clerk to contact Cllr Jefferies re the above.
ACTION: Cllr Powell to draw up an itemised list for the costs involved in the above.
- To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area
Cllr Rye agreed to carry out some limited pruning of trees in the wild area. The clerk presented some figures for adult outdoor fitness equipment, which start at several hundred pounds for a small single item. EDDC has advised that CIL money could cover this, combined with the S106 money as outlined in minute ref. 63/25 d).
ACTION: Clerk to ask Michael Poll for a quote for work to replace the post on the small gate, which is rotten.
- To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain ditches and drains in the parish
Members noted with pleasure that Fabian Trim had refurbished the boules court; he is considering adding another edge to the court. The clerk said she had investigated costs for a new bus shelter, although the design aspect may present an issue in the conservation area. Members agreed a rebuild would be more in keeping with the setting, the parish council’s re-use / repair stance and also more cost-effective.
64/25 To receive a report from the Chair
There was no report this month.
65/25 To consider a review of remuneration of the parish clerk in line with the annual NALC salary scales, and associated pension payments
Members resolved to raise the clerk’s salary in line with NALC recommendations to £14.82 / hr, for the year 2025-26 (along with associated pension payments), and to apply the increase retrospectively.
66/25 To approve the September payments and to note the current bank balance
Members resolved to approve the following payments:
F Clampin £275.29 clerk’s salary + £10.13 expenses (travel Ottery – Gittisham 7.5-mile round trip x 3 for minutes, agenda & July meeting @0.45p / mile)
Fiona Clampin backdated pay from April 2025 at new NALC rate £14.82 / hr – £44.98
Michael Poll, grass cutting play area £70 (inv. ref. 10443)
Michael Poll, grass cutting play area £70 (inv. ref. 10432
Fab Trim Landscaping 13 hrs lengthsman work @£20/hr & 2 hrs gully clearing @£60 / hr INV-000018 £380
Cllr C Hall, reimbursement for boules set £27.95
NEST (clerk’s pension) £28.98
Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £28,521.04 (which includes approximately £7,258 in the business reserve account).
67/25 To consider proposals to reduce the balance of Gittisham Parish Council’s reserves
Cllr Powell said some residents of Hayne Farm had requested a book shelter for a book swap scheme; Cllr Orchard reminded members of the books and other items which built up during the pandemic in the Vale bus shelter. The clerk said she would communicate DALC’s response as to the ‘ideal’ amount of reserves, which would enable members to make a decision.
Cllr Rowe left the meeting. Cllr Powell took the chair.
68/25 To consider changing the location of future parish council meetings
Members agreed to keep the parish room location, having explored other options. Cllr Rye suggested a ramp for wheelchair access was necessary.
Cllr Rowe returned to the meeting.
69/25 Clerk’s report
The clerk said she had agreed to take on some additional work for Broadhembury PC as clerk.
70/25 For information only; items for the forward agenda
Cllr Pester said he would be circulating a draft text for the welcome pack.
71/25 To consider any late entry correspondence
Cllr Orchard said the telephone box in the village could do with a lick of paint. Cllr Rye agreed to arrange a working party and purchase the paint, which will be reimbursed.
72/25 Date of next two meetings
Thursday 2nd October and Thursday 6th November 2025 at 7.30pm.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2100 hrs.
Chair…………………………………….
2nd October 2025