Held in Gittisham Parish Room
Present:
Village ward: Cllr C Hall (Chair), Cllr A Rowe (Vice Chair), Cllr G Pester
Vale ward: Cllr P Orchard, Cllr A Rye, Cllr A Powell
In attendance: Cllr Richard Jefferies (DCC), Fiona Clampin (clerk)
Apologies for absence: Cllr D Valentine, Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), PCSO Darren England
89/25 To accept and approve apologies
Apologies were received and accepted.
90/25 To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 2nd October 2025
The minutes of the meeting held on 2nd October 2025 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.
91/25 To receive the Beat Manager’s Report
August 2025
Parsonage Lane: 1 x other theft
Hedge Field Close: 1 x anti-social behaviour, 1 x violence & sexual offences
92/25 To receive declarations of interest
None.
93/25 To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
None.
94/25 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:
“After last month’s comments on our local devolution, it would now appear that our area of east Devon is not a priority area. This should mean we have a bit longer to come to a fair and proportional decision; we’ll see. In the meantime, I am concerned over a potential conflict of interest within our council, when it comes to deciding which of the devolution plans being worked up, to go for. It would seem clear that county and district have strongly differing ideas of how to split up the area and where the relevant responsibilities will fall. This will not be a unique situation to us, and will no doubt be mirrored across the nation, wherever you have councillors who wear a district and county hat. However, here I’m concerned at the level of pressure which will be brought to bear, especially along party lines, whereas what we need is full impartiality when it comes to voting on this very important change to our local democracy.
“Apparently EDDC, along with County, are considering overturning a local ban on the use of glysophate. This has come about after public complaints concerning overgrown roadside verges. As a committed naturalist and beekeeper, I strongly oppose this potential retrograde step. The evidence is clear on the long-term hazards associated with this chemical, especially the devastating impact it has on the little seen elements of our wildlife. I am, however, confident that common sense will prevail, and that this request will be dismissed.
“On a more positive note, I am pleased to report that a full and frank debate took place at last month’s full council meeting regarding the leisure plans for Cranbrook. The proposed allocation of monies to this project are substantial, especially given the pressures all our basic services are under, and I entered the debate with some profound misgivings. However, after some well presented reports and further information, I was left feeling confident that this investment – not just in Cranbrook, but for all our district – will bring major benefits to all of us long into the future.”
Cllr Richard Jefferies said DCC is carrying out a public consultation about the future of its library service, and it has also drawn up an action plan to support young people (especially those with special educational needs) to find work and training places.
Cllr Rowe asked for Cllr Jefferies’ take on what the impact would be of local government reorganisation on parish councils. Cllr Jefferies said different proposals will be put before DCC’s Cabinet shortly. DCC’s preferred option is for the county council and the existing eight district councils to be replaced with a single unitary authority serving around 840,000 residents, while retaining the existing authorities of Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council. According to DCC’s website, 16 Neighbourhood Area Committees would be created, aligned with health, care and local economic geographies. They would bring together councillors, parish representatives, the voluntary and community sector, businesses and public service partners with a devolved budget and dedicated support team to provide the foundation for local democracy and decision-making. Establishing the Neighbourhood Area Committees would not remove any assets or powers from local town and parish councils. Cllr Jefferies added that Honiton Town Council has some information available on its website which is useful.
The Chair said Gittisham parish had very few assets that could be taken on, such as public toilets. Cllr Orchard added that the consultation on the proposals will begin in spring 2026.
Members discussed with Cllr Jefferies the possibility of him taking Gittisham’s proposal to support a footpath from Hayne Lane to the Otter Inn to his Highway and Traffic Orders Committees (HATOC, which meets quarterly). All agreed that as one of the few amenities in the area, people should be supported to walk there safely. The clerk said that West Hill PC have recently carried out a small highway improvement, and may be willing to share their experience with the parish.
Cllr Rowe said he had discussed with Tom Cox (DCC Highways) and another officer about creating an app to run in tandem with the ‘report a problem’ webpage. Cllr Jefferies said he would mention it at DCC, along with the footpath proposal.
Cllr Jefferies left the meeting.
ACTION: Chair to draw up a one-page summary of the footpath proposal and estimate of cost.
95/25 To receive a report on the EDDC Local Plan and consider any actions arising
In his absence, Cllr Valentine sent the following: “no update yet on the Local Plan due to meetings being cancelled. Next meeting of Strategic Planning Committee is provisionally set for 25th November (no agenda available at present).”
80/25 To consider the following planning applications:
- 25/1857/FUL – 1 Hamlett Close, Gittisham EX14 3FR – Variation of Condition 1 (approved plans) on planning permission 24/2200/FUL (Conversion of existing garage to living accommodation with first floor extension over) to make the project more accessible to a disabled person
Members resolved to have no objection to a).
97/25 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 Rowe reported that the original proposal to lay a micro-trench across fields from the garden centre was now in doubt, as part of this land is in EDDC’s allocation for the local plan. The owner of Radio Fibre is considering an alternative route beginning at the Iron Bridge, but this may be held up by negotiation with Combe Estate over wayleaves and potential compensation for tenant farmers. Members expressed a collective sigh that progress on installing superfast broadband appears once again to be running into issues
ACTION: Chair to speak to Tom at Radio Fibre before December meeting to discuss a way forward.
- To note the latest planning decision notices
- 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. Approval with conditions.
- 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. Approval with conditions.
- 25/1365/PVJ – Gittisham Farm Gittisham EX14 3AX – Prior approval for the installation of 152 solar PV panels on a pitched roof. Prior approval not required.
- 25/1826/TCA – Gorse Cottage Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AH X2 conifer fell. No TPO required.
- To receive an update on Highways
29 November 09:30 -15:30 A375 Road past Gittisham Hill closed for telecom works.
- To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106
Cllr Orchard said the next meeting at Honiton TC has been rescheduled to 26 November to evaluate bids from sports groups, but he is unable to attend. The clerk said she had received a response from EDDC regarding S106 and applications from particular groups: “S106 monies for open spaces can be requested by a sports club or say a playing field / recreation trust, as long as the PC are supportive. For example, in Dalwood the playing field is held by a trust, and they requested monies to install some outdoor play / music equipment which the PC supported. The important thing to remember with S106 is that it is collected for a specific purpose which is to improve and maintain open spaces. Therefore it must be used for sport, play and recreation.”
ACTION: Chair to attend HTC S106 meeting on 26/11/25.
- To receive an update on public transport
Cllr Orchard said South Western Railway are still running an amended service on the Waterloo line, owing to the track bed being too dry. Members noted that the service is scheduled to return to normal from 29th November.
- To consider updating the parish emergency plan
Cllr Rowe said he had some amendments to make to the plan such as telephone numbers, and will be canvassing for new members. He added that he had topped up the sandbags in the village bus shelter, and reported the low stock of some grit bins. Members discussed the significant run-off from the track close to Bath Tub Corner.
ACTION: Chair to discuss run-off with the farmer.
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- To consider climate change measures within the parish, including proposals for rewilding land in the parish
There was no update this month.
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- To consider limited residential development in the parish
In his absence, Cllr Valentine sent the following report: “As a preliminary to confirming the approval of the planning application (yes – it will be an approval) the EDDC planning officer has issued his intended planning conditions which, in general, are standard conditions with no surprises. His final report is still awaited and the approval will be subject to a Section 106 Agreement which will confirm the letting arrangements. The details of the Letting Arrangements have been previously agreed with the EDDC Housing Team and the GCLT Lettings Policy mirrors a policy which has already been embodied in a S106 agreement for another CLT in East Devon. I am not anticipating any difficulties with the drafting of the S106 and once this is agreed the formal decision notice of the planning approval will be issued. It will be necessary to appoint a solicitor to assist with the formalities of the S106. I am not quite ready to celebrate but we are nearly there in respect of the planning application. We have now approached a Housing Association regarding a possible development partnership.”
- To consider the creation of a footpath linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village, inc. a footway close to the Otter Inn
There was no update this month.
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- To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area
The clerk said Michael Poll had quoted £110 to replace the post on the small gate, and the Chair said she would approach residents to see if he could use their electricity for his breaker.
ACTION: Chair to approach residents near play area.
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- To consider the work of the parish lengthsman
Members noted that the lengthsman had been carrying out work on Parsonage Lane and Dark Lane. Cllr Rowe reported that Awliscombe’s road warden scheme had been successful, and he would find out from Tom Cox if Gittisham residents and the lengthsman could have some training in future. Cllr Rowe asked if the grate outside xx needed reinstating. The Chair agreed to take a look and let him know for him to take measurements for a replacement.
The clerk said Michael Poll was happy to carry out work on overhauling the bus shelter.
ACTION: Chair to meet Michael Poll to discuss work to be done.
98/25 To receive a report from the Chair
The Chair said there was no report this month.
99/25 To approve the November payments and to note the current bank balance
Members resolved to approve the following payments:
F Clampin £275.29 clerk’s salary + £18.12 expenses (travel Ottery – Gittisham 7.5-mile round trip x 3 for minutes, agenda & October meeting @0.45p / mile; 1 x pack printer paper)
Michael Poll, grass cutting play area £70 (inv. ref. 10458)
Community Heartbeat Trust £324 annual support costs for Gittisham Vale & Gittisham telephone box defibs
F Clampin (HMRC) £13 tax payments on clerk’s salary (tax periods 5-7)
Devon County Council £532.09 depth marker
NEST (clerk’s pension) £28.98
The clerk said she would have to pay HMRC with her own debit card because of issues receiving a code by telephone to access the GPC online tax account. She will circulate the confirmation emails when paid. Members agreed that the reminder invoice received from DCC was most likely to be for the depth marker; the clerk agreed to check. Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £26,875.16 (which includes approximately £7,258 in the business reserve account).
100/25 To consider proposals to reduce the balance of Gittisham Parish Council’s reserves
Members discussed Cllr Pester’s proposal for two interpretation boards. Cllr Orchard said he had made enquiries with an artist in Honiton who previously worked for Disney. She is interested and can work on combining pictures and text. Cllr Rowe said he could provide the metal frames. Cllr Pester said he would speak to Paul Wakely about the content for the boards, and the clerk agreed to speak to Pierre Graeber about use of photographs. One board could be placed by the village hall, and the other atop the granite on the village green. Cllr Rowe suggested commissioning a logo for the parish council, and agreed to get in touch with Octavia Madden for artwork.
ACTION: Cllr Pester & Cllr Orchard to take this project forward.
ACTION: Chair to mention siting of the boards to Combe Estate.
101/25 Clerk’s report
None.
102/25 For information only; items for the forward agenda
None.
103/25 To consider any late entry correspondence
None.
104/25 Date of next two meetings
Thursday 11th December 2025 and Thursday 8th January 2026 at 7.30pm.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2100 hrs.
Chair…………………………………….
11th December 2025