Fiona

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

Village ward: Cllr C Hall (Chair), Cllr M Walker, Cllr D Valentine, Cllr A Rowe

Vale ward: Cllr J Twist (Vice Chair)

In attendance: Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), Fiona Clampin (clerk)

Apologies for absence: Cllr P Orchard, PCSO Darren England

1/23        To elect a Chair

Cllr Walker nominated Cllr Hall for election as Chair for 2023/24.  This nomination was seconded by Cllr Valentine.  A roll call of members present at the meeting was then taken.  It was then resolved by a unanimous decision that Cllr Hall be elected Chair for 2023/24 of Gittisham Parish Council. 

2/23        To elect a Vice Chair

Cllr Walker nominated Cllr Twist for election as Vice Chair for 2023/24.  This nomination was seconded by Cllr Rowe.  A roll call of members present at the meeting was then taken.  It was then resolved by a unanimous decision that Cllr Twist be elected Vice Chair for 2023/24 of Gittisham Parish Council. 

3/23        To receive the Chair’s & Vice Chair’s declaration of Acceptance of Office

In accordance with Section 83 of the Local Government Act 1972, Cllrs Hall & Twist made a Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

4/23        To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

5/23        To confirm the minutes of the ordinary meeting held on 6th April 2023

The minutes of the meeting held on 6^th April 2023 were amended to clarify Cllr Orchard’s suggestion regarding the outdoor table tennis.  The minutes were then confirmed and signed by the Chair.  

6/23        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

March 2023: no reported crimes.

7/23        To receive declarations of interest

Cllr Rowe declared an interest in agenda item 18 (minute ref. 18/23), as he is a member of the village fete committee.

8/23        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

None.

9/23        Reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Have your say on climate change

Cllr Twiss said that people across the region are being asked to give their views on a regional strategy that will help ensure that Devon (as well as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly) can make the changes needed to cope with the worst effects of climate change. From Tuesday May 9 residents are being consulted on the Climate Adaptation Strategy for Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly ahead of its publication later this year.  To respond effectively to the climate crises, it is vital that strategies are put in place to deal with both the cause of rising greenhouse gases and their effect on our communities, also called Mitigation and Adaptation.  Mitigation focuses on tackling the causes of climate change to make the inevitable impacts of rising global temperatures less severe by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases to net-zero.  Adaptation is the process of adjusting to the impacts of climate change that we are already seeing and can be expected in the future.

The draft Adaptation Strategy has been delivered by the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Climate Impacts Group, with the assistance of engineering and environmental consultancy RSK.  The group is a partnership of strategic organisations, including local authorities like DCC, chaired by the Environment Agency. The draft strategy specifically looks at climate impacts which require, or which would benefit from, working in partnership.  The strategy accepts that significant climate ‘shocks’ are inevitable, and as the world grows warmer, different places (depending on factors like geography and population) will be affected in different ways.  You can view the Adaptation Strategy, a series of ‘short-reads’ and respond to the consultation at https://www.climateresilient-dcios.org.uk/

The 2023 ‘BIG FIX’

Running throughout May, The BIG FIX has one aim – to fix and breathe new life into as many broken things as possible. The event, coordinated by the DCC waste team, sees skilled menders fix broken items such as electronics, garden equipment, clothing, jewellery, clocks and much more to give them a new lease of life.  Due to its huge success, The BIG FIX event is going nationwide for a third time – so far 43 Repair Cafés in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England have already registered.

Through the BIG FIX we hope to save people money, not only by repairing old items but also passing on skills to fix their own items in the future.  Repair Cafés are increasing in popularity, as people are becoming more budget and environmentally conscious. They are organised and run by volunteers who offer their time and skills to help mend broken items and keep them in use for longer.  Volunteers also help greet visitors, supply tea and coffee and restock supplies of cakes and other tasty treats.  Last year, 50 Repair Cafés and 580 volunteers took part in the BIG FIX, mending 1,100 items and saving 31 tonnes CO2. Over 830 cakes and biscuits were served alongside 1,000 cups of tea and coffee!

The BIG FIX 2023 is taking place across May to enable as many Repair Cafés as possible to take part.  Locally we have repair cafes in Axminster, Blackdown (Hemyock), Broadhembury, Honiton and Sidmouth. See https://www.recycledevon.org/reuse/repair-cafe for further details.

Is your child’s vaccination programme up to date?

Data published by the UK Health Security Agency shows that uptake of vaccinations offered to 13 and 14-year olds at school fell during the coronavirus pandemic, leaving many young people now unprotected from life-threatening diseases. Though improving, uptake of vaccines that protect against tetanus, diphtheria and polio, and against meningococcal disease are well below pre-pandemic levels. Other routine adolescent immunisation programmes show similar impact from the pandemic, with uptake not yet back to pre-COVID-19 levels.

Public Health Devon say that uptake of adolescent vaccines by young people in the county is generally good compared with the rest of the UK, with take-up levels for most vaccinations above the national average.

Nationally the aim is to vaccinate at least 95 per cent of children and young people who are eligible for jabs to protect them against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), and diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio (DTaPIPV). Steve Brown, Devon Director of Public Health says, “Your GP surgery should be able to check whether your child has had both doses of the MMR vaccine, or you may be able to access their vaccination record online through GP online services. It is never too late to catch up on any missed doses of MMR vaccination. Whilst booking your child’s MMR vaccine, check if your child is due other vaccines.  They may be able to have them at the same time.”

Cllr Bruce explained that there would be little action at EDDC until the council is reformed on 24^th May, following the local elections.  Cllr Walker reported that a Church Mead had been told by EDDC that the bridge will be repaired, with the addition of a pedestrian bridge. 

Cllrs Bruce and Twiss left the meeting. 

10/23     To consider the following planning applications:

a) 22/2723/FUL Combe Garden Centre Gittisham EX14 3PD – New farm shop and associated landscaping works adjacent to the site of the existing Combe Garden Centre (amended plans)

Parish councillors resolved to object to this application for reasons of prematurity, highways and flooding. The highway upgrade required is not addressed by this application to enable decision-making, and there is no secure pedestrian access to the centre (contrary to information provided in this application).  The road approaching the centre is single carriageway, with no provision for pedestrians.  However, pedestrians use this road currently including parents with pushchairs, and it is impossible to hear approaching traffic because of the noise created by the A30.  Additional facilities in the application would potentially increase the footfall and therefore risks to pedestrians and other road users.  The area already has issues with run-off and flooding.

11/23      To consider the following street trading renewal application:

a) The Codfather Fish & Chip Van, far end of Old Elm Road, Honiton, EX14 2YJ

Dates:   RENEWAL – Annual Trader – Every Saturday

Times: 16:30 – 19:00

Members noted the application.

12/23     To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:

• To note the latest planning decision notices

• 23/0453/LBC – Batts Cottage Gittisham EX14 3AJ Remove existing front door and frame and replace with new on front (south west) elevation.  Approval, colour of door to be agreed with EDDC
• 23/0454/FUL Batts Cottage Gittisham EX14 3AJ Proposed shed/studio building to replace oil tank and fenced enclosure. Approval, but building materials must be agreed with EDDC prior to construction.

• To receive an update on Highways

Cllr Orchard sent a report, explaining that Hayne Lane bridge sign has been corrected to 13’ 9” southbound! 

• To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106

The clerk explained that EDDC’s S106 officer had put the request for funding, and it would be several months before a decision is made.  The officer has since left EDDC.  Members discussed the possibility of purchasing the outdoor ping pong table before the approval of S106 funds.  Members resolved to buy the goal post from Fitness Sports Steel for £406 + VAT, as this does not fall within the S106 criteria.

ACTION: Clerk to check who has replaced EDDC’s S106 officer, and enquire about the deadline for spending the S106 funds and the likely outcome.

• To receive an update on public transport

Cllr Orchard explained in his report that the remaining books were removed from the Vale bus shelter last week, and a notice posted saying book swap is closed and take any unwanted items to Lidl, Tesco or charity shop. Fingers crossed. Cllr Twist asked why the route of the no.9 bus had been cut from Old Elm Road.

• To consider climate change measures within the parish, including proposals for rewilding land in the parish

Cllr Rowe said the Co-Bikes representative was researching an alternative scheme for Gittisham, rather than the one originally proposed.  Members discussed the creation of a path linking Hayne Farm with the village, which they agreed would encourage residents to walk rather than drive to events, and would also be desirable from a safety point of view.

• To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security

Cllr Twist reported that now that asking for personal financial information is illegal, it’s hoped it will stop the scammers.  Ofcom says the technology is now available to ‘phone providers to stop calls coming from outside the UK being made to look like local calls and calls from major organisations.  It is hoped this technology will be rolled out soon. (Talktalk are already using this.) Cloning of cards is on the rise again, said Cllr Twist; please make sure you keep your cards in an RFID wallet or card holder, which blocks radio waves and prevents criminals from stealing your card information.

• To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said there was nothing further to report than the information he had outlined in the annual parish meeting.

• To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area

Cllr Walker said she would speak to the lengthsman about the items that needing addressing in the annual play area safety inspection.  Members agreed that the arrival of the goal posts would be a good time to bring together a working party to clean the village play area.  The Chair thanked Paul Wakley for planting all 30 of the hedge plants, and added that the blossom was looking beautiful in the wild area. 

• To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain ditches and drains in the parish

Cllr Walker said the lengthsman would be able to spruce up the parish bus shelters, and Cllr Rowe offered to help him take down the noticeboards for the duration.

ACTION: Cllr Walker to relay the budget (£500) to the lengthsman.

13/23     To receive a report from the Chair

The Chair thanked former Cllr Fowles for her service to the parish.

ACTION: Clerk to purchase a card.

14/23     To consider and adopt the parish council’s standing orders

Members resolved to adopt the parish council’s standing orders.

15/23     To review the parish council’s fixed asset register

Members noted the fixed asset register.

16/23     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 £12.73 / hr, for the year 2022-23, and to apply the increase retrospectively.  The 2023-24 pay scales are yet to be determined.

17/23     To approve the May payments and to note the current bank balance

F Clampin             £235.83 Clerk’s salary

F Clampin             £234       Clerk’s backdated pay increase 2022-23

Michael Poll          £65 Grass cutting (inv. ref. 10212)    

Fitness Sports       £488.09 (inc. VAT) goal posts

Community First Insurance              £420.44 annual insurance policy

Alvian Ltd             £102       Annual play area safety inspection

DD          NEST     £24.82   Clerk’s pension (new rate)

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £23,125.81 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account). 

Cllr Rowe left the meeting.

18/23     To consider parish council support for the village fete

Members agreed to offer £500, but requested to see a breakdown of costs.

Cllr Rowe returned to the meeting.

19/23     To consider upgrading the parish bus shelters

Cf minute ref. 12/23 (j).

20/23     Clerk’s Report

The clerk said that John and Stella Adamson had decided to step down from the care of the village defibrillator.  The Chair said a replacement would have to be found, and in the meantime councillors would carry out the weekly checks on a rota.  She thanked Mr & Mrs Adamson for their commitment over the years to a much valued asset.

ACTION: Cllr Walker to speak to Damian Furniss.  

21/23     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Play area concerns; footpath at Hayne Farm; postbox; dog waste bin.

22/23     To consider any late entry correspondence

Cllr Twist reported that on 18^th and 25^th May there would be a collection at Blackdown House in Honiton of items for refugees housed in the East Devon district.

23/23     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 1st June and Thursday 6th July 2023 at 7.30pm. 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2135 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

1st June 2023

MINUTES OF THE 2022 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

HELD IN GITTISHAM VILLAGE HALL

ON THURSDAY 12^th MAY 2022

Present: Cllr C Hall (chair), Cllrs D Valentine, M Walker, J Twist, A Rowe, J Fowles, Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Fiona Clampin (clerk), one member of the public

Apologies: Cllr P Orchard, Phil Twiss (DCC), PCSO Darren England

1. Introduction by Council Chair

Cllr Hall welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for attending.

2. Apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were accepted and approved.

3. Report on the Council’s activities over the past year

The Chair thanked all members for their work in the parish in 2021/22, as well as the clerk, Susie Bond (former EDDC councillor), Len Abbott and Carol McCann. 

She said it had been a busy year for the parish council and she was grateful for all the work that councillors had done to support our community. We are from a diverse set of backgrounds, which ensures lively debates at times, but definitely ensures we consider all aspects of an issue. Fundamentally, we all have the best interests of our parish close to our hearts.

The housing at Hayne Farm is ongoing, with a few changes to tie in with housing market needs to ensure a good mix of small and large homes, as well as looking at developing houses on the old farmyard. Hayne Farm residents are included in all invitations to events at the village hall and kept informed of parish news using the Gittisham Gazette and social media. The small scale housing being developed by the Community Land Trust is making very slow progress due to legal matters, but EDDC have been very positive about the pre-planning submission.

In the village playground a scheme to spend approx. £40k of CIL or S106 money on a table tennis, boules and skittles has been developed but there have been no contractors interested in doing the work. We will look at an alternative design which still incorporates these features. New swing seats have been installed and a new hedge planted, with plants from The Woodland Trust.

According to maps and DCC, there is no vehicle access for “off-roading” across Westgate Common, just one track leading up there (Summer Lane). As we suggested, the public have been reporting sightings and damage to the police and the landowner, which is ongoing and makes a horrible mess of a beautiful area. There is also intimidation from the perpetrators to anyone suggesting they shouldn’t be there.

There have been a few changes to our councillors this year. As Susie Bond has moved away, we have a new councillor in her place, Alasdair Bruce. We will miss the diplomacy and local knowledge that Susie has, but in Alasdair we have an expert in conservation matters as well as a great understanding of political matters in the area. And we have a new parish councillor to represent the Vale Ward, Jan Fowles – “welcome and thank you for joining us”.

Superfast broadband has still not reached Gittisham village. The reason for the delay is unclear and fortunately some residents have the expensive village-wide wifi system. There is also a delay in installing the defibrillator in Hayne Farm.

At EDDC we have been involved in an unexpected and unjustified parish boundary review, which appears to have been ‘kicked into the long grass’ but we will keep an eye on the situation. We have also been looking carefully at the EDDC Strategic Plans, considering the details and implications for the parish. We are concerned about large scale housing development in the ‘valley’ of Gittisham village, spreading across from Hayne Farm.

We have plenty of plans for the coming year and are very excited to be working with the village hall committee to put on events over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend and asking businesses within the parish to get involved. We’ll also look at rewilding work with EDDC, and the 20 is Plenty campaign to reduce speeds through the village. We will also keep an eye on extensions to the housing development at Hayne Farm to ensure the long term interests of the parish are upheld.

4. Annual Police Report

The police did not send a report. 

5. County and District Council Representatives Reports

Alasdair Bruce:

Cllr Bruce said it had been somewhat daunting to follow in Susie Bond’s footsteps, but he was enjoying working with Gittisham Parish Council and looked forward to the challenges on the horizon.    He said it was regrettable that EDDC had not returned to in-person meetings, and hoped this would change very soon. 

6. Reports by Village Organisations

Gittisham CLT

David Valentine said that nearly a year had passed since the CLT’s public exhibition in Gittisham Village Hall, which was well attended.  The vast majority present were supportive, he said.  Since that date a number of difficulties have arisen with bringing forward the agreement required that leads to the transfer of land to the CLT.  This has delayed submitting the planning application, and may require an updated housing needs survey.    

7. To consider any matters raised by residents

One member of the public said he had submitted a new appeal regarding his property to EDDC planners, and hoped that the parish council would continue to be supportive.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 1950 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

May 2023

GITTISHAM ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – 12/05/2022

14 Crimes – 2021/22  

17 Crimes – 2020/21 17 Crimes 2019/20 11 Crimes 2018/19    

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Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

Village ward: Cllr C Hall (Chair), Cllr M Walker, Cllr D Valentine, Cllr A Rowe

Vale ward: Cllr J Twist (Vice Chair), Cllr P Orchard

In attendance: Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), nine members of the public, Fiona Clampin (clerk)

Apologies for absence: Cllr J Fowles, Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), PCSO Darren England

Before the meeting, Russell & Edmond Hayman spoke regarding their planning application (minute ref. 193/22).  They explained that environmental regulations require farmers to update dairy units, and without this lagoon the herd size would have to be halved.  They explained that an earth-banked lagoon has the lowest carbon footprint, the longest life span, and there is nowhere suitable on the farm to support a concrete structure.  They reported that the Environment Agency had expressed no objections.  Access will be along either Chaghayes (Shaggys) or Dark Lane, and it should result in fewer agricultural vehicles on the road moving slurry.

Two members of the public spoke in support of the parish council’s decision to purchase an outdoor ping pong table for the play area, following a public consultation and votes for the most popular suggestion. They argued that table tennis is a sport for all ages, and younger children are already well provided for in the village play area.  They felt an outdoor table would enhance the play area facilities (especially for older children), promote fitness and health, and encourage adults and children to gather socially.

Two members of the public, supported by two additional members of the public, spoke against the parish council’s decision.  They argued that the parish council had not considered the impact of noise, intrusion and potential anti-social behaviour.  They pointed out that a ping pong table already exists in the village hall, and could be used more without the potential disruption to neighbours of an outdoor facility in the play area.  They urged the parish council to find something that would be acceptable to the whole community.

The Chair explained that in order to obtain S106 funds allocated to the parish council for sport, leisure and play, it had had to go through a public consultation process mandated by EDDC.  She said the majority of those who responded had suggested an outdoor ping pong table; of all the suggestions put forward by parishioners, this was the item which had received the most votes. 

Five members of the public left the meeting.

187/22        To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

188/22        To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 2nd March 2023

The minutes of the meeting held on 2nd March 2023 were confirmed and signed by the Chair. 

189/22        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

Feb 2023: no reported crimes.

190/22        To receive declarations of interest

The Chair declared an interest in agenda items 7a) and b), as she is the owner of a neighbouring property (minute ref. 193/22).  Cllr Valentine declared an interest in agenda item 7d), as the applicant is the freeholder of a property in Town Farm Buildings and holds shares in the company of which Cllr Valentine is managing director.

191/22        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

The clerk said she had spoken to James Fuller regarding the parish council’s position on tendering for work on the lych gate, and would await further information before bringing the item back to council.

192/22        Reports from County Council and District Council representatives

In his absence, Cllr Twiss sent the following report: “as we are now in a restricted election period, commonly referred to as ‘purdah’ in the run-up to town, parish and district council elections on May 4th this report focuses on matters in a more ‘global sense’. I am personally not seeking re-election to EDDC, but wish all those who have put their names forward to stand for election all the very best.

Voter ID requirement 

From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections.

This will apply to:

Local elections

Police and Crime Commissioner elections

UK parliamentary by-elections

Recall petitions

From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections. If you don’t have accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate from EDDC, or register for a postal vote.  See https://eastdevon.gov.uk/elections-and-registering-to-vote/voter-id-2023/ and https://eastdevon.gov.uk/elections-and-registering-to-vote/voter-id-2023/acceptedforms-of-photo-id/  for further information.

Devolution deal for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay moves a step closer

A new deal that will transfer money and powers into the hands of local leaders across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, has moved a step closer with the backing of the Government’s LevellingUp Minister, Dehenna Davison.

Outline approval has been given for a Devon-wide devolution deal which could bring greater local control and allow partners to tap into additional resources to help tackle key local priorities, such as affordable housing, better public transport and connectivity, and providing for the skills that the local economy needs.  The deal wouldn’t require a change to the established democratic structures across the area, or the need for an elected mayor. Instead, new powers would be devolved to a partnership of existing local councils who would deliver on a joint programme working alongside a wide range of other local stakeholders.  Local partners across Devon have now been invited to work together to prepare a final business case to present to Government for approval later in the year. Any final deal would require local consent with the full agreement of all the constituent councils as well as parliamentary approval.

Every penny of the extra £9.4m will be spent making our roads more resilient

Every penny of the extra £9.4 million for Devon, announced in the Chancellor’s budget recently, will be spent on improving our roads and making them more resilient. In addition a further £5.5bn of funding for Highways maintenance was announced on 31st March. See https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-street-works-regime-to-clamp-down-onpothole-pain Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the extra cash specifically to fund vital highways maintenance.  Most of it will go towards the Local Area Capital Programmes, which will reflect local priorities identified through our elected members and Neighbourhood Highway Officers. Using inspections and survey data, the remaining funding will be directed to preventative works to stop potholes forming in the first place. Prolonged spells of very wet weather and freezing road temperatures this winter have been hugely detrimental to the condition of our 8,000 mile road network. To tackle it, over the past few months, we doubled the number of pothole teams, introduced weekend working and extended working hours across the network. That resulted in up to 2,200 potholes being repaired each week.

Household Support Fund

DCC has secured additional funding to help households weather the rising costs of living, to help pay for food, energy and other essential items.  This is the fourth tranche of the government’s Household Support Fund that we’ve been able to secure. The latest bid amounts to a little over £10 million, to cover the period from April 2023 until March 2024. It will take Devon’s total level of Household Support Funding received so far to just over £25 million. The funding is to support households in most need that are struggling to pay for food, energy, water bills and other related essentials. And specifically, those households that may not be eligible for other support that is already available from the government.  We have to submit plans mid-May to the Department of Work and Pensions, setting out how we, with our Team Devon District and City councils and other voluntary and community partners, will make the latest funding available. Plans are expected to include:

A funding allocation to specifically support families in receipt of Free School Meals, to provide food vouchers that can be exchanged at supermarkets to buy food during school holidays. 20,000 children in Devon were eligible for free school meal vouchers during the last holidays

Some funding will also go to provide financial support for food, energy and other essentials to eligible low income households with children and young people, via the County Council’s Early Help service.

Team Devon’s District/City councils will plan to continue helping households that are in greatest financial need and struggling to pay for food, energy and other related essentials. They will publicise further details soon, once plans have been finalised

Citizens Advice Devon will continue to receive funding to support households that are using pre-payment and credit meters, to help with energy costs

working with the Sustainable Warmth project, the fund will also be used to pilot a scheme to provide minor but rapid energy efficiency improvements to the homes of eligible households

and the Devon Community Foundation is exploring how best to deploy funds to voluntary and community organisations that support specific groups who may struggle to access the help and support they need.

The Household Support Fund is one aspect of the support that councils across the county are making available to households. For further information about the range of support available please visit https://www.devon.gov.uk/cost-of-living/

Horses

New roadside posters encouraging road users to slow down for horses and their riders are being displayed in parts of Devon.  We’re supporting The British Horse Society’s (BHS) “Dead Slow” road safety campaign, teaming up with the BHS, Horses & Road Safety Awareness (HRSA) and Vision Zero South West to promote the campaign in the county.  The aim is to educate motorists on how to approach and pass horses safely on the

county’s roads, with the posters advising drivers to reduce their speed to a maximum of 10mph and leave at least two metres space.  Since 2018, around 375 incidents involving equestrians on Devon’s roads have been

reported to the Police and the BHS. These collisions have left 19 horses injured and three dead, while 29 horse riders have been injured and one rider killed. Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at The British Horse Society, said: “Horses are still being killed and injured on our roads, riders continue to be seriously injured and too many drivers underestimate the importance of driving carefully around horses. This is detrimental to the safety of equestrians. You only have to look at the two horses who were tragically killed in the space of just two weeks at the beginning of 2023.  Together, we can stop these tragic incidents from happening over and over again.  To do this, it is essential that we all follow the Highway Code guidelines in place, which are aligned with our key Dead Slow behavioural messages. Collaborating with Devon County Council, and displaying these posters, will be a critical step towards driving greater awareness and ultimately improving the safety of all vulnerable road users.”

Cllr Bruce reported that at last, repairs are underway on the much mentioned EDDC garages. He was grateful to be alerted to this by a very helpful resident of Gittisham, having not been advised by EDDC directly. He is still awaiting a report from EDDC whereby the parish council can take over control of these garages, so that this long and protracted saga will not be repeated.

Tree planting at EDDC has moved into top gear, according to Cllr Bruce, and there is an initiative coming forward for wild flower meadow planting.

Cllr Bruce explained that purdah precluded much of what he might wish to include in his report to council so this one is about as brief as it gets. He concluded by thanking the parish council for its support this term and said it had been an honour to serve this wonderful village as your council representative at District. If he prevails at the elections, Cllr Bruce said he would look forward to carrying on the fight to get the best for Gittisham.

Cllrs Bruce and Hall left the meeting.  Cllr Twist took the Chair.

193/22   To consider the following planning application:

• 23/0453/LBC Batts Cottage, Gittisham EX14 3AJ – Remove existing front door and frame and replace with new on front (south west) elevation
• 23/0453/LBC Batts Cottage, Gittisham EX14 3AJ – Proposed shed / studio building to replace oil tank and fenced enclosure

Members resolved to have no objections to a) and b).  The Chair returned to the meeting.

• 23/0436/FUL Blamphayne Sawmill Gittisham EX14 3AN – Proposed storage building for timber.

Members resolved to have no objections to c).  Cllr Valentine left the meeting.

• 23/0462/FUL Gittisham Farm Gittisham EX14 3AX – Construction of earth-banked slurry lagoon.

Parish councillors resolved to have no objection to d) in principle.  However, members had concerns over access for large farm vehicles via Chaghayes (Shaggys) Lane, and would like use to be mitigated where possible.

Cllr Valentine returned to the meeting.

194/22     To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:

• To note the latest planning decision notices

23/0096/FUL – Nags Head Farm, Nags Head Road EX14 3AW – Extension to agricultural building. Approval.

23/0308/FUL & 23/0309/LBC – Pomeroy House EX14 3AJ – Internal and external remodelling with new kitchen extension.  Approval.

23/0329/TCA 2 Mitchell Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AF G1 – 4x Lawson Cypress Conifer – dismantle to ground level.  G2: 3 x Lawson Cypress Conifer – to dismantle to ground level.  Approval.

• To receive an update on Highways

Cllr Orchard reported that the illuminated overhead signs installed on Hayne Lane bridge show 13’ 9” limit northbound, and 14’ 0” southbound.  There was a bit of disrupted parking in Old Elm Rd during the closure for installation.  Members heard that the railing on the lane to Catshayes Farm has been repaired, and moss removed from the pavement and the hedge cut along Old Elm Road.

Cllr Orchard reported that the Vale bus shelter had once again been swamped with books, but they had since been removed.

• To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106

(See also presentation by members of the public before the start of this meeting.)  Members discussed the concerns raised by members of the public over the outdoor ping pong table.  Cllr Orchard suggested future tournaments could be held in the village hall to minimise noise, and the Chair said she had received some hedge plants from the Woodland Trust which could potentially shield the adjoining properties.  Cllr Walker felt strongly that by being a councillor she had promised to give young people in the parish a voice, and this facility could address the lack of facilities for older children.  Cllr Walker proposed the purchase go ahead as planned previously, seconded by Cllr Orchard.  A vote was taken, with five in favour and one opposed.  The Chair confirmed that the outdoor ping pong table would be purchased from Redlynch at a cost of £3,079 + VAT and a goal post from Fitness Sports Steel for £406 + VAT.  The Chair suggested that an ongoing monitoring of noise levels and disruption should be discussed at forthcoming meetings.

ACTION: Clerk to check with EDDC’s S106 officer that she has all the information needed to release the funds, and at what point the table should be ordered.

• To receive an update on public transport

None.

• To consider climate change measures within the parish, including proposals for rewilding land in the parish

One member of the public said he had started a community vegetable growing project near Clapper Lane, Honiton. 

ACTION: Clerk to contact Baker Estates regarding the Hayne Farm allotments.     

• To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security

Cllr Twist reported the Take 5 campaign is being relaunched 17^th–21^st April.  She added that a new scam is circulating on WhatsApp.  A criminal gets in touch via a group chat and sends you a six-digit code.  Taking action on this will lock you out of your account, and allow the criminal to send the same scam to your address book.

• To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine explained that following South Devon Rural Housing Association’s decision to leave the project, he was pleased to report that another housing association had expressed an interest in being involved with GCLT.

• To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area

The clerk reported that the ‘no dogs’ sign had been reinstated.  Members thanked Cllr Rowe for repairing the closure of the small gate.  Cllr Walker said some large patches of bramble would need removing, but the mole hills had gone, thanks to the lengthsman.  Cllr Orchard showed members the new plaque in memory of Lilian Hayman, which will be added to one of the trees in the play area. 

• To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain ditches and drains in the parish

Cllr Valentine said there was an amount of debris eg laurel foliage near Riverside that can block the overflow, which presumably had arisen from work done by contractors for The Pig with respect to the shepherds’ huts.

ACTION: Clerk to ask The Pig to remove the debris.

195/22     To receive a report from the Chair

The Chair said an event would be held in the village hall to mark the Coronation on 5^th May, with a live screening of the event.  There will be a bring your own barbecue, free drinks and disco.

196/22     To approve the April payments and to note the current bank balance

                F Clampin             £295.99 Clerk’s salary & expenses (train ticket & return travel to attend March PC meeting)

                Sara Trumper       £224.99 Reimbursement for food & sundries, Gittisham Community Kitchen, March 2023

Michael Poll        £65 Grass cutting (inv. ref. 10210)   

DALC        £260.67 annual subscription 2023-24

Gittisham Parish Hall £992.45 Hall rental for Community Kitchen, 2022-23

34SP £95.40 Website hosting gittisham.org.uk

DD          NEST                     £22.86   Clerk’s pension  

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £24,600.47 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account).  The clerk reported that half the annual precept had been received, as well as the grant (in arrears) from Devon Communities Together for the Community Kitchen.

197/22     Clerk’s Report

The clerk said she would speak to Cllr Twist regarding the land where the Hayne Farm postbox is proposed, as the clerk has the information on land ownership from Baker Estates which is needed to apply to Royal Mail.

 

The clerk said there was a strong possibility she would not be able to attend the next meeting, due to other work commitments abroad.  Members agreed to pay a replacement clerk for the evening.  The May meeting has to be moved to 11^th May, due to the election, and can only be held between 10^th and 25^th May inclusive.  At this meeting a Chair and Vice Chair will be elected for the coming year.

ACTION: Clerk to check parish room availability and source a temporary clerk for 11^th May.

198/22     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Annual parish meeting; clerk remuneration; play area concerns.

199/22     To consider any late entry correspondence

None.

200/22     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 11th May and Thursday 1st June 2023 at 7.30pm. 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2055 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

11th May 2023