Fiona

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

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

Vale ward: Cllr Adam Powell, Cllr P Orchard

In attendance: Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), one member of the public, Fiona Clampin (clerk)

Apologies for absence: Cllr J Twist, PCSO Darren England

1/24        To elect a Chair

Cllr Orchard nominated Cllr Hall for election as Chair for 2024/25.  This nomination was seconded by Cllr Walker.  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 2024/25 of Gittisham Parish Council. 

2/24        To elect a Vice Chair

Cllr Hall nominated Cllr Rowe for election as Vice Chair for 2024/25, Cllr Twist having stood down.  This nomination was seconded by Cllr Orchard.  A roll call of members present at the meeting was then taken.  It was then resolved by a unanimous decision that Cllr Rowe be elected Vice Chair for 2024/25 of Gittisham Parish Council.  Members thanked Cllr Twist for her work in the role previously.

3/24        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 & Rowe made a Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

4/24 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

5/24        To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 4th April 2024

The minutes of the meeting held on 4th April 2024 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.  

6/24        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

March 2024: 0 crimes reported.  The clerk said the online crime map appeared to be working again. 

7/24        To receive declarations of interest

None.

8/24        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

Cllr Orchard said he had placed a clipboard inside the village bus shelter to allow passengers to report late-running buses or no-shows.  Cllr Rowe reported concern over grass verges towards Gittisham Farm that had been damaged.  This was due to Devon Highways digging the hedge to fill in concrete below.

9/24 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Cllr Twiss expressed his pleasure that thanks to hard work and reorganisation at DCC, the council will present a balanced outturn.  He reported having found some additional funding which will go towards repair of the highways network, which has taken a battering with the wet weather.

DCC to receive additional funds to support households struggling with higher energy and food costs

Citizens Advice is reporting that average energy costs are as high as last winter for many households, and that despite energy prices falling this month, around 5.3 million people are currently living in households in debt to their energy supplier. So, it’s welcome news that we are able to confirm that Devon County Council have been allocated a little over £5 million from the government to help households struggling to pay higher bills for energy, food, water, and other essential items.

This will be the fifth round of Household Support Funding received from the Department for Work and Pensions, to run between April and September 2024. It will take Devon’s total level of Household Support Funding received so far to just over £30 million.  The funding is to support households in most need, but specifically those that may not be eligible for other support that is already available from the government.

Plans must be submitted by mid-May to the Department of Work and Pensions, setting out how DCC, with Devon’s district, city and borough councils and other voluntary and community partners, will make the latest funding available.

Plans are likely to include:

A specific funding allocation to support families in receipt of Free School Meals, to provide food vouchers that can be exchanged at supermarkets to buy food during school holidays. 21,700 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, through the County Council’s Early Help service. 

Team Devon’s district/city/borough 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

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

Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal – Combined County Authority

The proposed deal will transfer significant decision-making powers and funding from Whitehall to Devon and Torbay, so that important decisions on local priorities, such as jobs and skills, housing, and the environment, can be made locally.  Following a wide ranging consultation, the proposal itself was met with a wide range of views both for and against, although unanimous support is not a prerequisite to moving forward.

One thing is clear; The ‘deal’ may have Devon County and Torbay Councils’ signatures on the paperwork, but for devolution to work well for the one million or so residents across Devon and Torbay, the task in hand will require all levels of local government across the two areas – County and Unitary, city, district and borough, and town and parish councils – to work much more closely together.  It will also need the strong influence of advisory groups comprising experts in local industry and the voluntary sector, and geographically representing all parts of Devon and Torbay, working with the Devon and Torbay CCA.

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act as passed by Parliament makes county and unitary councils responsible for leading Combined County Authorities. The responsibility for leading this CCA therefore falls to democratically-led representatives from Devon County Council and Torbay Council.  However, it is critically important that Devon’s district councils have a voice in the Devon and Torbay CCA, and the ability to influence its work.

It is proposed that Devon’s city, district and borough councils, the Devon Association of Local Councils representing Devon’s town and parish councils, the County Council and the two National Park Authorities, will all sit as part of a formal ‘Team Devon’ Joint Committee to offer its collective voice in the CCA.  District councils and housing associations will also work with Torbay Council’s housing function and the CCA to accelerate delivery of more housing across Devon and Torbay.  District councils will also be involved in the formation of a joint strategic transport plan for Devon and Torbay so that land-use and housing plan areas align to transport plans and sustainable transport options.

In addition, advisory groups comprising representatives with experience and expertise in given fields, e.g. health, housing or climate change, will have a role in providing formal advice to the CCA. As will voluntary sector and social enterprise organisations, that will need to work closely with the CCA, making sure that decision-makers are responding to local interests and addressing local priorities.

Through Local Skills Improvement Plans, the proposed CCA will work with business and education leaders to create a stronger, joined-up relationship between employers and schools, colleges and universities to provide the skilled workforce the local economy needs for the future.

Do you have a scheme to benefit the community? Grants are available

If your community group has a project that could improve people’s well-being, reduce hardship, provide a warm safe space to work, learn, or socialise within you area, you can apply for a grant.  This is the third year DCC have made funding available to support local schemes through the Growing Communities Fund.  Since July 2022, funding has been awarded to hundreds of local projects to help them respond to a specific local need.

This year’s funding allocation will mean that since the fund was launched, DCC has made more than £1.1m available to help communities build self-reliance and resilience.

Groups with schemes that bring communities together, alleviate food poverty or tackle loneliness, isolation and build self-esteem, for example, are invited to apply.  This could include offering advice, peer support or guidance on budgeting, cooking low-cost nutritional meals or supporting the recruitment, training and retention of volunteers.  Organisers of projects that have a clear and direct community benefit, such as improving the environment, or that use innovation to improve efficiency or proposals that seek to expand the reach of an existing scheme are also encouraged to apply.  For further information visit https://www.devon.gov.uk/communities/growing-communities-fund

Cllr Bruce said there was little that’s new on which to update the parish council.  EDDC’s planning officers are working through new legislation to understand the detail.  On a separate matter, the flood prevention scheme at Feniton has been delayed.

Cllr Twiss encouraged people to register their interest on the Airband website, which appeared to show some Gittisham village postcodes likely to be served by the rollout of superfast broadband at some point in the future.  Cllr Powell queried this, as he had intelligence that suggested Airband is reassessing the contracts it has with Connecting Devon and Somerset (the rural broadband programme).  The company has just appointed a new managing director.  Cllr Twiss said he was waiting for a response from CDS.

Cllrs Bruce & Twiss left the meeting.

ACTION: Cllr Twiss to send the clerk details of how to apply to the Locality Budget and the Growing Communities Fund.  Chair to complete and let Cllr Twiss know when done.

10/24   To consider the application for a proposed upgrade to the existing radio base station installation at CS_121551, SWEB Tower EX14 3TZ (NGR: E314620, N096545)

Councillors resolved to have no objection to this application. 

11/24      To consider a response to Honiton Town Council’s request to identify projects for the 2nd tranche of S106 funds

ACTION: Chair to draft a reply with suggestion for public consultation on projects.

12/24     To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:

• To note the latest planning decision notices
  • None.

• To receive an update on Highways 

3–20 June 2024 road through Alfington is closed for gas works.

4–5 June 2024 Old A30 by Kings Arms farm, temporary traffic signals for Highways.

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

The clerk said she was awaiting a response from EDDC’s S106 officer as to whether a plaque referring to the district council’s support is necessary.  She had not heard from Cllr Arnott regarding the invitation to attend the Father’s Day table tennis tournament in the village play area.  Members agreed to take photographs at the event and publicise in the gazette and potentially the Midweek Herald afterwards. 

ACTION: Clerk to invite Cllr Bruce to the Father’s Day tournament. 

• To receive an update on public transport

Members heard the bus service had been unreliable in recent weeks, but appeared to be back on track.  It was agreed to publicise the delays clipboard on the village WhatsApp and in the gazette.

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

Cllr Rowe said EDDC had mown the section of land at Old Elm Road in preparation for laying the grass matting that will go underneath a footpath suitable for pushchairs in the rewilded area.  Volunteers will be needed nearer the time, he said, to help lay down the 20m-length rolls of matting and hammer in the staples but it needs a spell of dry weather.  Heavy duty grass seed will go on top.   ACTION: Cllr Powell to drum up support at the Hayne Farm development. 

• To consider limited residential development in the parish

There was no progress to report.  Cllr Valentine provided a year overview to the Annual Parish Meeting.          

• To consider the creation of a footpath linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village

The clerk reported that representatives of Baker Estates would be attending the June parish council meeting to discuss the footpath, along with other matters.

ACTION: Clerk to invite Karissa Marker to the June meeting.

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

Councillors agreed to attend to the items highlighted in the annual safety inspection report, and Cllr Walker said she would share the report with Len Abbott. 

ACTION: Chair to ask residents near the village play area how use of the ping pong table is shaping up.

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

The Chair reported that Jack Bartlett (farmer) had identified a blocked culvert upstream of Catshayes.  He has cleared the blockage and now the water is flowing as it should with far less travelling down the road. 

13/24     To receive a report from the Chair

The Chair said some residents of Hayne Farm had drawn up a list of items they would like to see in the play area, with all agreeing it was important to stress that until the ownership of the land had been established on a more permanent footing (likely in two years’ time), the parish council was limited in what support it could provide.  Suggestions were made such as a play area committee and a community garden at Hayne Farm.

ACTION: Cllr Powell to investigate whether any Hayne Farm residents would like to attend the June parish council meeting.

Cllr Rowe said he had drawn up a flyer for the Gittisham Fete, and suggested perhaps it could include on one side some information about the parish council. 

14/24     To consider and adopt the parish council’s standing orders

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

15/24     To review the parish council’s fixed asset register

Members noted the fixed asset register.

ACTION: Clerk to add ping pong table and goal posts.

16/24     To approve the May payments and to note the current bank balance

F Clampin             £254.34 Clerk’s salary + £16.85 expenses (travel Ottery – Gittisham 7.5-mile round trip x 5 for agendas, minutes & police election notices in March & April @0.45p / mile)

Michael Poll        £65 play area grass cutting (inv. ref. 10300)

Michael Poll        £65 play area grass cutting (inv. ref. 10303)

Alvian Ltd £102 play area annual safety inspection (inv. 1068)

Community First Trading £420.44 annual insurance policy

DD          NEST                     £26.78   Clerk’s pension

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £21,351.62 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account).  The clerk said the first half of the annual precept had been received, as well as two VAT rebates for 2020-21 and 2021-22 (£224.72 and £608.48).  Members resolved to request Bluechip Payroll’s services for the annual internal audit.

17/24 Clerk’s report

There was nothing to report.

18/24     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Hayne Farm update; annual accountability & governance; broadband

19/24     To consider any late entry correspondence

As the Annual Parish Meeting had taken place earlier that day, members discussed Cllr Powell’s suggestion that other meetings focusing on single issues such as climate change could be held in a larger space.  Cllr Valentine suggested some meetings could be held at a location on the Hayne Farm development or in Gittisham Vale.

Cllr Valentine said the temporary barriers at Riverside had been there for more than one year.

ACTION: Clerk to ask EDDC when the bridge railings will be repaired.

20/24     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 6th June and Thursday 4th July 2024 at 7.30pm. 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2115 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

6th June 2024

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

Village ward: Cllr D Valentine, Cllr M Walker, Cllr A Rowe

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

In attendance: Fiona Clampin (clerk)

Apologies for absence: Cllr C Hall (Chair), Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), PCSO Darren England

177/23 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

178/23        To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 7th March 2024

The minutes of the meeting held on 7th March 2024 were confirmed and signed by the Vice Chair.  

179/23        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

Due to an error on the Police UK website it was not possible to report the crime statistics accurately. 

180/23        To receive declarations of interest

Cllr Twist declared an interest in agenda item 10 (minute ref. 186/23), as she is the treasurer of Gittisham PCC.

181/23        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

None.

182/23 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives

In his absence, Cllr Twiss sent the following report: “As we move towards spring and summer, it seems that our traditional four seasons are now more like the Northern Territory of Australia with just two, the wet from November to April and the dry, May to October.  Unfortunately our wet season seems to be far longer than the dry one, having a detrimental impact on the Devon Highways network, particularly in rural areas where the potholes are all too obvious to see, appearing on what are effectively former cart tracks with tarmac on the top. In urban areas, most roads are purpose built with proper foundations that are generally more robust.

This state of the public highway is by some distance the item that features most in conversations and correspondence with constituents and below is a more detailed report on how this last winter has gone for DCC Highways who are trying to keep up with rising demand, combined with limited human and financial resources.

Winter 2023/24 Highways update

DCC has established a ‘Planned and Reactive Maintenance: Potholes and Drainage Task Group’ first reporting in March 2019 and an updated Performance Dashboard Report has now been produced to councillors.  As is typical for the winter period, DCC Highways has recorded a gradual increase in the number of publicly reported pothole defects (PIPs) since November, mainly via the ‘Report a Problem’ web site. A team of Highway Safety Inspectors undertake assessments, using extended weekday and weekend working where resource allows. The main contractor called Milestone are currently in the process of recruiting three additional permanent inspectors to assist in driving further efficiencies and timely inspections.

There have been more pothole defects this financial year than 2022/23. Whilst a further 12 months of network deterioration has occurred, the impacts on network condition of the relatively early and harsh freeze/thaw cycles experienced during last winter (2022/23) were felt deep into the summer months of 2023, added to by a number of severe storms and torrential rainfall.

Additional in year Government funding of £7.5 million is enabling more reactive, short notice and planned works, including minor hand patching and dragon patching will be delivered on the minor network in Devon as a result of it. 

While there have been challenges around plant breakdowns and availability relating to gully cleaning, it is anticipated the programme to clean 150,630 gully assets will be completed on time for the current financial year. The additional high pressure jetting resource is currently resolving approximately 800 recorded issues per month, effectively maintaining pace with the number of issues reported during the flooding events experienced over the 2023/24 winter period. The service continues to trial a different approach to cleaning both urban gullies and gullies that require multiple cleans per year.

Special Educational Needs Deficit (SEND)

After a protracted and very difficult period of negotiation, a high-level agreement has been signed between Devon County Council and the Government, which will see an extra £95 million of national funds set aside to reduce the deficit on special needs education.

The cumulative spending on education for children with special needs and disabilities (SEND) over the past 10 years is set to create a deficit of £163 million by the end of this financial year.  In common with many councils across the country, DCC had been negotiating with the Government for extra funding for special needs education under the so-called Safety Valve programme.  Ten million pounds have been set aside in 2023/24 to help bring down the deficit.  The new agreement will see the Government contribute £38 million by the end of March with the remaining cash being spread out over the following eight years.  We will contribute a further £5 million a year from its revenue budget and £20 million from reserves to bring the deficit back into balance by the end of the agreement.

It is recognised that DCC must improve its service to children needing help in this area and is committed to doing this, as well as managing its finances most effectively, keeping the council on a long term sustainable basis.

Locality Budgets

Devon county councillors have a small amount of money each year called a Locality Budget to support projects in their division with small grants, where demand invariably outstrips supply.  The fund opens up again in mid-April and budget for 2024/25 is £8,000 per councillor. Further details of qualifying projects and an online application form can be found at https://www.devon.gov.uk/democracy/councillors-nav/locality-budgets/

In his absence, Cllr Bruce sent the following report: “Last week at planning this council took what I consider to be a retrograde step. Two toilet blocks are to be removed and replaced by an ugly pay to use prefab literally craned into place. One in Honiton and the other in Budleigh Salterton. Now we are often told that councils do not have to provide free toilet conveniences, but it is something we have ‘enjoyed’ for many years so it is in effect a loss of amenity.  I for one have always believed it should be a right to use a public convenience for free. To be blunt those people of a certain age and/or with a medical condition rely on finding somewhere to go and often in a hurry. So to now be faced with the option of needing to use this grotesque monstrosity, in place of the previous sanctuary of relief, and pay for the privilege is a backward step. Neither buildings contribute any aesthetic value whatsoever to these towns, and to many this change will become a contributing factor in the calculation of a shopping trip out. So in future the public and visitors in Honiton is faced with either paying to pee (providing the locks work), relying on the good graces of a certain coffee shop, or, use the facilities of the large church and leave a contribution.

“The ongoing disgrace of the quality of our rivers and seas continue to attract media attention, but with little matching concerted action by our government. It is to be hoped that the growing number of action groups and legal action will bring about a profound change in how our water is managed and safeguarded for us all.”

183/23   To consider the following planning applications:

1. 24/0652/TRE – 1 Beaumonts Cottages, Gittisham EX14 3AG – T1, Willow: pollard to approximately 8m above ground level; maximum diameter cuts of 20cm; western limb over building; reduce to 3m off main stem.

Councillors resolved to have no objection to this application. 

184/23     To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:

• To note the latest planning decision notices
  • None.

• To receive an update on Highways 

20 May–7 June 2024 road through Alfington is closed for water works.

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

The clerk reported that the outdoor ping pong table was now installed.  The delivery company had suggested that a set of bats and balls should have been included, but the supplier said this was not the case.  Members thanked Carla Hulbert for donating the ping pong kit.  Cllr Walker said a tournament was planned for Father’s Day, and members agreed this would be a good moment to arrange some PR and the plaque to indicate EDDC’s support.

ACTION: Clerk to invite Cllr Arnott to a Father’s Day tournament and order a plaque. 

• To receive an update on public transport

Cllr Rowe suggested leaving a clipboard in the village bus shelter for people to log when the Stagecoach bus is late or does not turn up.

ACTION: Cllr Orchard to source a clipboard and pen.

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

There was no update to report.

• To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said EDDC had requested further information from interested parties including Combe Estate about the planning application.          

• To consider the creation of a footpath linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village

Cllr Powell reported he had emailed members with a summary of the points raised at the meeting with Combe Estate.  Justin Lascelles said he would be progressing this matter with the Marker family, tenant farmers and estate trustees. 

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

Cllr Walker said the heavy rainfall had left the play area waterlogged.  She agreed to walk the area with the lengthsman to find out if any maintenance is needed, including to the hedge, after the annual safety inspection report.

ACTION: Clerk to check status of safety inspection.

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

The clerk reported that Len Abbott had spoken to Len Bartlett (farmer) about the run-off at Catshayes, but she did not know the outcome of the conversation.  The Bartlett family has assured residents that they will step in to help should there be a flooding problem resulting from the recent work.

185/23     To receive a report from the Chair

The Vice-Chair reported that residents of the Hayne Farm development had been asking if the play area could be improved there.  Members agreed that until the ownership of the land had been established on a more permanent footing (likely in two years’ time), the parish council was limited in what support it could provide.  It had been pointed out on previous occasions that the equipment in the village play area was provided through fundraising, not capital expenditure.  The parish council is happy to assist with providing advice / support on fundraising.  Councillors agreed that it was time to invite Baker Estates to a parish council meeting to provide an update on the development, and answer concerns raised by residents about the play area to understand where the parish council might be able to get involved.

ACTION: Clerk to invite Graham Hutton to attend a parish council meeting.

Cllr Powell reported that he and Cllrs Walker and Rowe had met Richard Foord MP earlier in the day to discuss the delay in rolling out superfast broadband.  Combe Estate representatives had been unable to attend the meeting.  The MP has agreed to follow up with DCC as well as the Digital Minister in Parliament.  It appears that Gittisham parish is no longer on the list of locations for Airband, the remaining full fibre broadband infrastructure provider in the area.  Members thanked Cllr Powell for raising the profile of the lack of decent broadband. 

ACTION: Cllr Powell to reflect on how GPC can help progress Richard Foord’s media campaign on this issue.

The Vice-Chair reported that the TruckFest which had caused so many traffic problems last year in the parish had been moved to Smeatharpe. 

Cllr Twist left the meeting and Cllr Valentine took the Chair.

186/23     To approve the April payments and to note the current bank balance

F Clampin             £254.34 Clerk’s salary

34SP.com             £119.40 web hosting renewal

34SP.com             £15 domain name registration

Gittisham PCC     £21.10 electricity bill [parish council use]

Michael Poll        £65 play area grass cutting (inv. ref. 10291)

DALC                  £400.50 annual subscription 2024/25

Len Abbott           £101.50 (lengthsman work, 7 hrs Dec 2023)

Len Abbott           £14.50 (lengthsman work, 1hr Jan 2024)

DD          NEST                     £26.78   Clerk’s pension

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £16,399.29 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account). 

The clerk said this did not include the first half of the annual precept, which is due to arrive in the parish council bank account.  She added that the cost of the ping pong table had already been accounted for at the July 2023 meeting, and she would invoice EDDC to have the amount (minus VAT) paid to the parish council from S106 funds.

ACTION: Clerk to contact Bluechip Payroll to arrange annual audit. 

Cllr Twist returned to the meeting.

187/23 Clerk’s report

There was nothing to report.

188/23     For information only; items for the forward agenda

The May meeting will be held following the annual parish meeting.  Clerk to find out if Baker Estates can attend in May.

189/23     To consider any late entry correspondence

None.

190/23     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 2nd May and Thursday 6th June 2024 at 7.30pm. 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2100 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

2nd May 2024

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

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

Vale ward: Cllr J Twist (Vice Chair), Cllr Adam Powell

In attendance: Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), one member of the public, Fiona Clampin (clerk)

Apologies for absence: Cllr P Orchard, PCSO Darren England

162/23 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

163/23        To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 1st February 2024

Re: 153/23 d) Cllr Powell asked that it be noted the parish council had suggested renewable energy could be incorporated into the Kings Arms Farm application in some way.  The minutes of the meeting held on 1^st February 2024 were then confirmed and signed by the Chair.  

164/23        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

Due to an error on the Police UK website which the force is aware of, it was not possible to report the crime statistics accurately. Cllr Rowe said he had attended the event to mark the re-opening of the Honiton Police Station enquiry desk.

165/23        To receive declarations of interest

Cllr Twiss declared an interest in agenda item 166/23, as he is a voting member of the South West Regional Flood and Coastal committee. 

166/23        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

Cllr Powell reported that Richard Foord MP had accepted his invitation to a meeting on 4th April to discuss the delay in rolling out superfast broadband.  He has also invited representatives of other parishes similarly affected, rural broadband campaigner Graham Long and the Combe Estate. 

ACTION: Cllr Powell to email members with an update on progress so far.

Members heard that additional sandbags have been delivered and are stored in the village bus shelter.

Cllr Walker said farmer Len Bartlett had assured her the gap in the hedge towards Catshayes would be filled once the weather improves.  A resident has expressed concern that the new farm track could be creating additional run-off coming down the road, and was alarmed at the recent increase in surface water.  Someone has placed two sandbags across the gully.

ACTION: Chair and Len Abbott to arrange a meeting to discuss with Len Bartlett.

167/23 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Covid 19 update

Cllr Twiss said that as we approach the 4th anniversary of the first Covid-19 lockdown in England, on the

23rd March 2020, it’s hard to forget the stress, anxiety, economic hardship for many and a genuine fear that the worldwide pandemic brought with it. It seems a very long time ago that we were forced to change how we lived our lives overnight, often being separated from family members, working from home and not being able to socialise in person being just a few things that the uncertainties Covid inflicted on us.

While Covid 19 may have largely disappeared from most of our lives, we are still reaping its unwelcome legacy of slow economy recovery (matters elsewhere contributing to that) and long-standing health issues.  The disease is still very much with us but reported cases in England have reduced massively, where the official UKHSA data dashboard at https://tinyurl.com/ae98rr6r showing cases weekly cases to the 21st of February of 1839 and sadly 245 deaths with Covid mentioned on the death certificate. Clearly, there is still no room for complacency and you should take precautions if you show signs of having the disease, see https://tinyurl.com/2s39cs8x

Highways – winter update

Following the very difficult winter last year the DCC Asset Management and the Network Response teams have worked very closely together through late summer and autumn to prepare for the winter season. Because of this hard work and the milder winter, the service has recorded 5,500 safety defect potholes in January, slightly below the 7-year average (5,926). This compares well to the 7,500 in 2023.  The significant reduction in the gritting operations mentioned above frees up resources to continue the planned patching operations, again helping to reduce safety defect potholes across the county, but prolonged wet weather in the last few months does not help matters when trying to make repairs to the highway.

Changes have now been made to the ‘front end’ of the public ‘report a problem’ website, https://www.devon.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/report-a-problem/ Additional information will help inform future enhancements and will highlight that members of the public can add themselves to existing reports, rather than duplicating reports. 

Gully cleaning operations have slipped behind programme due to the high number of extreme weather events the service has responded to this year, as well as a series of unexpected equipment breakdowns. Main DCC Highways contractor Milestone Infrastructure has worked hard to get this back on programme and are confident that all programmed gullies will have been attended by the end of March.  A lot of work has been put into addressing drainage referrals raised by the cleaning gangs. Over 14,000 gully issues have been resolved this 2023/24 financial year across Devon; however, the backlog remains high with new issues identified as quickly as the old ones are being tackled. The joint trial with Devon’s Flood team to place gully sensors in selected streets in Devon is in now live. The data recorded will provide insight into whether technology can be used to inform policy or reaction for cyclical gully cleaning. The trial intends to run for an 18-month period.

Is your food bill eating away at your weekly budget?

If so, a few simple measures can help save money and reduce waste too.  A Waste Resource Action Programme (WRAP) Food Trends survey last year found that despite the Cost of Living crisis, people are still wasting food that could otherwise have been eaten.  Food prices remain the number one food concern for almost three quarters of participants, and nearly one in four (24%) reported struggling to keep up with household bills. Yet, food waste is still on the rise for four key products – milk, potatoes, chicken and bread.

Keep Cool

Keeping the fridge temperature between 0-5°C can help keep food fresh for three days longer than usual. If you want to test how cold your fridge actually is, an easy way is to use a thermometer. If you do not have a fridge thermometer, pop a regular thermometer into a glass of water and leave it in the fridge for a few hours. Try not to open the door as this can affect the reading. It is worth checking as the average UK fridge temperature is set at least 2°C too warm!

Know Your Dates

Understanding the difference between use by and sell by dates can save perfectly edible food from being thrown away.  ‘Best before’ refers to the quality of the food and your food will be at its best when used before the date given. After this peak freshness date, it might not be at its best, but it will still be safe to eat. You can use your senses to make a judgement. 

Here’s a quick guide to a few key food items and how long they are likely to remain edible after the best before date:

• Biscuits – six months
• Canned food – 12 months
• Cereals – six months
• Confectionary – 12 months
• Crisps – one month
• Dried pasta – three years!
• Pasta sauce – 12 months

‘Use by’ refers to the safety of the food. You must not eat food past the ‘use by’ date. You cannot always smell the bacteria that causes food to spoil, so after the ‘use by’ date, the food may appear perfectly fine to eat, but it could be unsafe. You can freeze food right up to and including the ‘use by’ date. If you are not sure you will eat it in time, freeze it for another day! ‘Display until / sell by’ is for retailers’ attention only.

Reducing the amount of food we waste is a simple way for households to save money and reduce carbon emissions. 60% of UK food waste comes from households, having a value of £17 billion a year and is associated with 18 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.  If we kept food waste out of the black bin, it would save £2.8m a year in disposal costs.  Using up leftovers, making the most of our freezers and understanding use by dates are just a few ways to help prevent food waste, and save money too. When food waste is unavoidable, it can still be put to good use. Either recycle using your food waste caddy (where available) or compost at home.

Cllr Bruce said our troubled waters persist in the headlines with a major debate at full district council last week. Although he believes the motion was well meant, Cllr Bruce said it lacked any significant teeth with which to encourage/ force SWW to improve the current appalling state of our sea and water ways. He attempted to add an amendment to the motion in the form of the following, ‘EDDC further asserts that no major planning application will be considered without an accompanying, and independently verified report by SWW, stating that they have the relevant capacity for such an application’. It did cause some head scratching but was considered to put EDDC in a challengeable situation and failed to gain enough votes. As a result SWW said of the unanimously passed original motion that it was “disappointed”.  Not perhaps as disappointed as we are, said Cllr Bruce, with the mess they are making of looking after our waters! To balance the issue he added he is duty bound to say that SWW have stated that they remain committed to improving things with substantial investment going into our infrastructure.

Cllr Bruce said he was pleased to report that a well-supported parking review is underway, even more pleased to see his request for there to always be a choice of how we pay is enshrined in the recommendations. He has seen for himself the chaos caused when people try to use certain phone paying apps in car parks. This why he will ensure that, when the review comes to full council for signing off, a full choice of payment options is locked in.

Following on from his comments regarding pot holes in his last report, Cllr Bruce said he had had a number of comments passed to him about residents’ experiences with using the Devon Pothole Map. It seems that inspectors that go out to confirm the state of a given hole will often remove it from the map without informing the person that complained. Now it seems ridiculous, said Cllr Bruce, to state the obvious here, but these holes don’t mend themselves and they are only going to get deeper. He also knows that budgets can only stretch so far. However, surely it makes more sense to fix an issue when it’s going to cost less. How does that old saying go………… a stitch in time……..  he said he had also seen evidence of holes marked on the map as down for repair being suddenly removed. He has taken this up with County as this is completely unacceptable.

So he would strongly advise everyone to, firstly report every relevant hole they find and, secondly regularly check that it hasn’t been removed from the map by some hidden hand. If it has put it back on and keep doing it until it’s repaired. He said he remained convinced that, as ratepayers, we are not getting the correct value out of our contribution to road repairs. He still sees evidence of poor repairs often done on a previously repaired hole. He said he would ask for the data on how many potholes on the Devon map are ones that have been done before, but he doubts that data exists.

Cllr Rowe asked whether the gaps in the yellow lines along Devonshire Road might be filled in to stop cars parking there, as he felt it contributed to increased traffic, especially at rush hour.  Cllr Twiss said the parked vehicles had helped to slow down traffic flow in the past, but Cllr Rowe argued that with increased development on the industrial estate, vehicles are forced to swerve and potentially cause more danger. 

Cllr Walker asked Cllr Twiss if there was any funding available in the DCC Locality Budget.  She suggested using some to replace a couple of rotting windows in the village hall, and Cllr Twiss said he could support an application for £1,000 under energy-saving measures.

ACTION: Chair to obtain three quotes for window replacement and complete application for the VH through the parish council as accountable body.

Cllrs Bruce and Twiss left the meeting.   

167/23   To consider the following planning applications:

1. 23/1199/MFUL – Land at Weston Park Devonshire Road – Construction of new industrial units (Use Class B2)

The clerk agreed to check whether this was another iteration of an application that had come before the parish council last year, to which there was no objection. 

168/23     To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:

• To note the latest planning decision notices

• 23/2583/VAR Rapshayes Farm Gittisham EX14 3AB – Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 20/0781/FUL (Conversion of barn to holiday accommodation) to change the proposed roof covering from clay roman tiles to natural slate. Refusal.
• 23/2725/FUL Kings Arms Farm Nags Head Road Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AP – House of multiple occupation (HMO), that provides individual living-rooms for vulnerable people; the facility includes communal areas for socialising, cooking and dining set with private and secure gardens. Refusal.
• 24/0019/VAR Rapshayes Farm Gittisham EX14 3AB – Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 20/0781/FUL (Conversion of barn to holiday accommodation) to change the proposed roof covering from clay roman tiles to natural slate. Refusal.

• To receive an update on Highways 

20th March road to Catshayes closed to install sewer level equipment.

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

The clerk reported that the legal side of releasing the S106 funding for the outdoor ping pong table had been completed, and the parish council could now proceed to purchase the item.  This was one of the most popular choices in the public consultation carried out before the pandemic.

ACTION: Chair & Cllr Rowe to speak to residents.

• To receive an update on public transport

ACTION: Chair to log delays to the first Stagecoach bus which connects Gittisham village with Exeter, as the service has been poor recently.

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

Cllr Rowe said he had met EDDC officer Paul Feely and a colleague, who felt some revision of the pro

Cllr Rowe said next month the parish council could purchase the matting in line for the rewilding project for land at Old Elm Road. 

ACTION: Chair to plant landmark tree donated by Devon Wildlife Trust.      

• To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security

There was no update this month.  Members agreed there was substantial coverage of scams, including a Government campaign, and resolved to take this off the agenda.  Any particular scams to be brought to peoples’ attention can be added in ‘late entry correspondence’.

• To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said the planning application had been submitted, which was a significant milestone.  He said the architects’ drawings would be displayed at the community kitchen over the next few weeks.  Members heard that those councillors with GCLT shares will have to declare an interest when the application comes before the parish council.  There are enough members on the parish council however without GCLT shares to be quorate.         

• To consider the creation of a footpath linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village

Cllrs Powell and Rowe said they had met representatives of the Combe Estate and the Marker family to discuss a range of traffic-free routes between the new development and the village. The most likely option was a permissive path past the farm shop and barns to the village along a serviceable farm track that ends by the old marlpit, as it might be more acceptable than a right of way.  Conditions of use could be determined by the estate and could potentially be limited to certain times of year.  The second route discussed was under the overgrown railway bridge at the Hayne Farm development to follow the hedgerows down to the minor road leading to the

garden centre and village.  If approved, in both cases the routes and conditions of use may change, as the built landscape is likely to change in the future.

ACTION: Cllrs Powell & Rowe to draft an email to parish councillors outlining a possible way forward.  Then contact Combe Estate to ask for a summary of conditions of use. 

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

There was nothing to report this month.

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

ACTION: See minute ref. 166/23.

169/23     To receive a report from the Chair

There was no report this month. 

170/23     To approve the March payments and to note the current bank balance

F Clampin             £254.34 Clerk’s salary

DD          NEST                     £26.78   Clerk’s pension

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £17,417.41 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account).  Cllr Twist said the torch and safety kit had not been returned to the Hayne Farm debrillator when it was deployed recently, but this would be covered by the annual service package.

171/23 To consider the parish council’s grant-giving policy, publication scheme, complaints policy, anti-fraud & corruption policy, Freedom of Information Scheme and code of conduct

It was resolved to approve the above policies.

172/23 To consider the Parish Council’s Statement of Internal Control, Financial Regulations and Risk Management

It was resolved to approve the above policies.

173/23 Clerk’s report

There was nothing to report.

174/23     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Nothing to add.

175/23     To consider any late entry correspondence

Cllr Powell noted there had been some graffiti underneath the railway bridge leading to Hayne Farm.  Cllr Twist said the parish council would need to urge DCC to paint double yellow lines once the roads on the estate were adopted. 

ACTION: Cllr Powell to contact Network Rail.

176/23     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 4th April and Thursday 2nd May 2024 at 7.30pm. 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2120 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

4th April 2024