Parish Council agenda 7 Oct 2020

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Ms Fiona Clampin
Clerk to the Council
Garlands
Gittisham
Honiton
EX14 3AJ
01404 851442
clerk@gittisham.eastdevon.gov.uk
1st October 2020

Members of Gittisham Parish Council

You are hereby summoned to attend the October Parish Council Meeting to be held via Zoom on Wednesday 7th October 2020 commencing at 7.30pm to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.

The Parish Council Meeting has to take place tonight remotely for reasons of social distancing brought in by HM Government during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Prior to the start of the meeting a period of 15 minutes is allowed to permit any resident to bring appropriate matters to the notice of the Council. Please contact the clerk if you would like to do this, preferably by email in advance of the meeting, with a question you wish to be raised with Councillors on your behalf. Alternatively, members of the public can join the meeting by following the Zoom link below. If you are unable to use this facility but would still like to participate, please contact the clerk.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85983988664?pwd=NXJrbGM1dUl5SjBJTW1Xb2paRm5YQT09

Meeting ID: 859 8398 8664

Passcode: 133457

  1. To accept and approve apologies
  2. To confirm the Minutes of the meetings held on 2nd September 2020
  3. To receive the Beat Manager’s report
  4. To receive declarations of interest
  5. To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
  6. To note the latest planning decision notices
  7. To consider the following planning applications:
  8. a) 20/1726/FUL – 1 Hamlet Cottages Weston Honiton EX14 3PB Change of use of an existing workshop (use Class B1(c)) to a residential dwelling (use class C3) with minor alterations
  9. To consider the parish council response to the COVID-19 outbreak
  10. To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy and S106
  11. To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain drains and ditches in the parish
  12. To consider climate change measures within the parish
  13. To consider limited residential development in the parish
  14. To consider the parish emergency plan
  15. To consider the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development
  16. To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the play area
  17. To consider the purchase of a computer for the parish clerk
  18. To consider the parish website
  19. To consider the distribution of the Gittisham Gazette
  20. To consider liaising with other local parish councils
  21. To consider a review of remuneration of the parish clerk in line with the annual NALC salary scales, and associated pension payments
  22. To review the bank signatories and update the mandate as appropriate
  23. To approve the October payments and to note the current bank balance:

F Clampin £224.86 + £3.60 expenses

F Clampin remainder of backdated pay to 1st April 2020 at new rate £30.33

Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc

Len Abbott expenses £tbc

Andy Wilkins reimbursement for play area hygiene material £4.68

Michael Poll grass cutting (inv. ref 10041) £60

Michael Poll grass cutting (inv. ref 10045) £60

NEST (pension) £22.48

24. To consider any late entry correspondence

25. Matters to be reported to DCC/EDDC

26. For information only; items for the forward agenda

27. Clerk’s report

28. To note the date of the next two meetings, Wednesday 4th November and Wednesday 2nd December 2020 at 7.30pm

F J Clampin – Clerk

Parish Council meeting minutes 2 Sept 2020

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON 2ND SEPTEMBER 2020
via Zoom

The Parish Council Meeting has to take place remotely for reasons of social distancing brought in by HM Government during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Present:

Gittisham Village Ward
Cllr C Hall (Chair)
Cllr D Valentine

Gittisham Vale Ward
Cllr A Wilkins (Vice Chair)
Cllr P Orchard
Cllr J Twist

In attendance: Cllr Susie Bond (EDDC), Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), Fiona Clampin (clerk), two members of the public

Apologies for absence: Cllr M Walker, PCSO Darren England

76/20 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

77/20 To confirm the minutes of the meetings held 1st July and 24th July 2020

The minutes of the meetings held on 1st July and 24th July 2020 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

78/20 To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

The police did not send a report this month, so the clerk provided figures taken from https://www.crime-statistics.co.uk/ . In July 2020, 1 crime reported: criminal damage or arson.

ACTION: Cllr Orchard to forward to all members the weblink to crime statistics.

79/20 To receive declarations of interest

Cllr Wilkins declared an interest in agenda item 23, as he is due to be reimbursed by the council.

80/20 Reports from County Council and District Council representatives

School Transport

As we start a very unusual school term for our young people, Cllr Twiss said that DCC’s Education Department had issued a letter to parents regarding travelling safely to school and home on dedicated and public shared transport. This was distributed to all members. Cllr Twiss said he thought it likely that there would be the odd teething problem in terms of capacity, but hoped that any of these can be resolved quickly and easily, if needs be by increasing the number of vehicles to do this safely.

DCC Highways

While not a road as such, Cllr Twiss said that Footpath 3 from Buckerell Parish towards Gittisham Parish which passes over the River Otter by way of a footbridge is a good way to get out and about. He said he had got the local DCC Ranger to make repairs on the bridge which had fallen in to disrepair and was getting to the point of being dangerous. Cllr Twiss said he was also talking to the Honiton Show Committee about the possibility of a permissive path from where Footpath 3 meets the River Otter, turning right towards The Otter Inn, which may in turn be a nice distraction on a walking loop from Gittisham to Gittisham via there and possibly The Combe Garden centre! The show committee is due to meet shortly to discuss this as one of their agenda items.

Cllr Twiss added that he had now completed the ‘Doing What Matters’ review with Mike Brown, DCC Neighbourhood Highways Officer for the Feniton and Honiton Division in terms of highways maintenance and drainage, and as with the other parishes he should have been liaising with the clerk on this matter.

Broadband

Cllr Twiss said there was nothing specific to report, other than the Jurassic Fibre Broadband Ultrafast Broadband delivery is going well, despite COVID-19 restrictions and likely to reach Gittisham/Honiton at the end of this year.

Farm work Welfare App

Given the nature of our mainly rural area, Cllr Twiss said this may be of interest to members of the PC where sometimes problems are hidden in plain sight and not always spotted. The development of an app has been undertaken by the Clewer Initiative and supported by GLAA, NCA, Fresca Group and the Modern Slavery Helpline. The app is called the Farm Work Welfare App (FWWA) and launched in late July 2020.

FWWA is aimed at seasonal farm/rural workers and employers in the food picking, packing and processing sector. It seeks to provide a pocket resource for employers to aid them in strengthening their processes to prevent or identify labour exploitation within their operations, whilst also helping workers to understand their rights, learn what good practice looks like and arm them with the knowledge to identify exploitation. A reporting function is also provided which interlinks with the Modern Slavery Helpline. Content will be available in 8 languages covering the most vulnerable nationalities. Documents were distributed to all members.

Reporting of issues to DCC/EDDC

Noting comments relating to item 25 of the Gittisham PC agenda for 2nd September and in order to maintain a more accurate trail of report and response, as well as duplicating queries, Cllr Twiss said it would help enormously if issues which might be best described as of an ‘operational nature’ could firstly be raised via the clerk to the PC by E Mail to csc@eastdevon.gov.uk for EDDC and https://www.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn&utm_content=%2523wearedevon for DCC

If the clerk is unclear as to the relevant responsible authority is, he added that both have a very good working relationship and will usually pass on the issues if not theirs to resolve. For items such as that concerning improving access though the emergency gate at the end of Old Elm Road which is outside of the routine operational nature, Cllr Twiss explained that is where he comes in, and a request by email from the clerk will enable him to log it and to the relevant DCC or EDDC system. Cllr Twiss added that if the request is of an urgent nature and the clerk is not available, please send in the same way with a cc to the clerk and Cllr Twiss.

Hospital and healthcare

As we move towards what appears towards a more usual position health care services returning towards pre COVID-19 levels, Cllr Twiss said it is evident that the RD&E NHS Trust is going have to go a long way to return to where it would want to be for elective, non-elective and clinical surgeries.

The overall position at the RD&E NHS is far from straight forward in terms of referrals, elective surgery and clinic, allied with other major procedures and not brilliant when compared to 2019. Cllr Twiss distributed the key areas of interest to all members from his Council of Governors’ performance update from 7th August for June. This month’s update is due shortly and will have hopefully improved significantly from then.

Put simply COVID-19 and the impact on all sites in the RD&E footprint has been huge, but because of many fewer cases in our area staff are now returning to their ‘day jobs’ in large numbers, which is having a month by month positive impact on the ‘metrics’ e.g. June had a 31 per cent improvement of referrals over May, but that was still only just over 67 per cent of cases handled in June 2019! Keeping the main site at Wonford fully operational and safe on non COVID and Covid work is a challenge in terms of clinical hygiene and safe staffing levels, with PPE working incredibly exhausting and adversely effecting efficiencies.

The Nightingale Hospital has currently been re-purposed to deal with the cancer referrals backlog, in advance of an anticipated winter spike in demand for a perfect winter storm pressure of flu, COVID-19 and some old people suffering from poor health, particularly during winter, where this is one of the Trusts major clinical priorities regarding early diagnosis and treatment. The Nuffield is currently contracted to do 8 clinics a day on hip replacements (Exeter world class in this field) where the backlog because of this procedure being halted in late March due to risk of post op infection massive and the Trust is working at optimum capacity taking many factors in to account, no least staffing levels.

In summary a case of clinical priorities where progress is being made in all areas, but clearly not quick enough in a system under huge pressure even before COVID-19, but where the big injections of cash and new staff recruitment is definitely helping. Cllr Twiss said he hoped outpatient appointments will be quicker to resolve than long term waiting on elective surgical procedures and the paragraph below gives me some cause for comfort, in particular the creation and now implementation of the outpatients hub and a massive technological boost via an intelligent platform patient record system called ‘MyCare’, which is going live in early October which will improve matters dramatically and quickly (£50m cost and yes, tested and has been running for some time in Exeter and other UK Hospital sites which will give the RD&E a huge advantage over todays position and other Hospital Trusts!!).

Cllr Bond said while August is normally a quiet month, full Council met to discuss the Strategic Planning Committee’s decision to withdraw from the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP). On a personal level, she said this is a hugely disappointing, politically motivated move, which is likely to leave us vulnerable to development in inappropriate areas. GESP was looking at allocating sites from 2031 (the end of EDDC’s current local plan) and 2040. The new administration at East Devon District Council (a coalition of Independents, LibDems and Greens) had no faith in the process undertaken thus far, despite having been involved in plan formation. Working co-operatively with our immediate neighbours would have given EDDC more clout in negotiating for grant funding for major infrastructure projects, Cllr Bond argued.

The plan now is to continue the work already ongoing to revise the Local Plan. Climate change, Covid and (not least) the Government White Paper on Planning due to be published this month will need to be taken into consideration. The Government proposals are to be discussed at a Strategic Planning Committee on 16 September, which will be a Zoom meeting with the usual period at the start of the meeting for public speaking.

Cllr Twiss left the meeting.

81/20 To note the latest planning decision notices

a) 18/0359/V106 – Land adjacent Hayne Farm, Hayne Lane, Gittisham – Variation of requirement for affordable housing and other obligations in Section 106 agreement pursuant to application 13/2744/MOUT
Approval with conditions.

b) 20/1380/PDQ Land north of Hamlet House Weston – Conversion of agricultural building to dwelling
PDQB prior approval refused.

c) 20/0912/VAR – Goldcombe Farmhouse, Gittisham EX14 3AB – Conversion Of Existing Buildings To Holiday Dwellings (application for removal of Condition 5 of planning permission 84/P0792 to allow year round occupancy of the holiday dwellings and variation of Condition 6 of planning permission 84/P0792 to allow The Cider Barn to be used as an unrestricted residential dwelling)
Approval with conditions.

82/20 To consider the following planning application:

a) 20/1600/FUL – 11 Ferndale Close Honiton EX14 2YN Construction of single storey rear extension and provision of render

Members had no objection to the above application.

83/2 To consider the parish council response to the COVID-19 outbreak

The Chair said the volunteer group in the village was still up and running, but there had been no particular need for support in the last few months. She said that she was heartened to see the village play area open and well used once again. Members heard that the village hall would be open for bookings from 5th September, with Covid-related restrictions in place.

84/20 To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106

Cllr Orchard said he had contacted the environmental health department at EDDC to see if the officers had any objection to the land being used for a boules court. [NB Since the meeting the department has been in touch to inform Cllr Orchard that their only concern would be if the proposal was on contaminated land.]

ACTION: Cllr Orchard to check with Jamie Buckley at EDDC the next steps.

85/20 To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain drains and ditches in the parish

Members noted that Len Abbott had carried out strimming work on the river once again. Cllr Valentine asked if the lengthsman could check the ditches along Dark Lane, as large tractor wheels are pushing the verges into the ditch. This then becomes an obstruction to water when it rains.

ACTION: Cllr Walker to ask Len Abbott to inspect Dark Lane.

86/20 To consider maintenance of the play area, including regular safety inspections

The Chair said Combe Estate had donated some logs to replace the current stepping logs which are showing signs of rot. Members agreed that until the logs had been installed, the lengthsman should look at filling in the holes or they could be dangerous. Cllr Orchard said he felt the play equipment for younger children was looking somewhat tired, and asked if the rubber units should be replaced. The Chair said the items were not particularly old, and she agreed to tend to them to see if they could be improved.

ACTION: Chair to ask Len Abbott to fill in log holes while waiting for installation, and give toddler equipment a thorough clean.
ACTION: Clerk to write to Combe Estate to thank them for the donation.

87/20 To consider climate change measures within the parish

Cllr Wilkins reported that since the last meeting some progress has been made towards the possible provision of an electric vehicle charging point in the village. DCC is the liaison point for funding and support services, and Cllr Wilkins said he had had several exchanges with them providing information as it is requested. Initially a position near to the old telephone box (defibrillator housing) is being considered as the preferred location but is of course subject to a survey to judge suitability whilst considering the possibility of flooding and the provision of power. He said the power required for a 7kW charger is a minimum of a 32A 240V supply; a 22kW rapid charger requires a full three phase supply at 32A per phase and is probably not viable. It is assumed the land forms part of the public highway and as such DCC will undertake obtaining traffic orders and provide signage and road markings for the EV Charging bay. If the land turns out to be owned by the Combe Estate, then easements and wayleaves will need to be obtained first. Cllr Wilkins said Justin Lascelles should be kept informed of progress in this respect.

Cllr Wilkins said there will also need to be a commercial partnership established to provide the charging service; DCC will enable this arrangement. The Chair said she had had a very positive response from the village and the estate. Whist the project is progressing, Cllr Wilkins said the parish council will need to keep villagers informed and allow for comment and feedback at the main decision points. DCC has advised they will start supporting the parish council sometime this month, but timescales are rather challenging and the scheme will need to be completed by the end of the current fiscal year.

ACTION: Cllr Wilkins to take this project forward and inform Combe Estate.

88/20 To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said the CLT was due to have an AGM on 19th March but the lockdown prevented that taking place. At the moment the AGM is postponed. The legal basis for the GCLT is that it is registered as a Community Benefit Society and the current society rules require the society to hold an AGM. In theory, therefore, a decision to postpone the AGM would mean that the society is in breach of its rules and members of the society could challenge the CLT through the courts on this point. Cllr Valentine said he would hope that this is unlikely given the circumstances, and added that he was investigating the possibility of holding an AGM using Email.

A number of site investigations/surveys have now been completed and the CLT’s solicitor is currently investigating the background and details of the land title. The appointment of architects will take place following interviews which are taking place on 9th September. It is intended that there will be a public consultation exercise to present the architects proposals for the site. The nature of this exercise will be subject to Covid-19 guidance.

Cllr Valentine said a project team will be formed to guide and take any necessary actions during the design and construction phases. The project team will consist of representatives from GCLT, Wessex CLT Project, the architects, the Housing Association partner, site consultants as necessary and Combe Estate. The Housing Association partner remains to be appointed. There are 3 HAs with a potential interest. Members agreed that the situation was looking positive.

89/20 To consider the parish emergency plan

Cllr Valentine said his work with the GCLT together with family commitments have taken priority, but that he hoped to present with Cllr Orchard a draft later in the autumn. However, he said that Gittisham was one of few parish councils to publish an emergency plan on its website. Cllr Orchard added that he had been surveying some other emergency plans from 2015, and was incorporating some of the basic detail into the developing Gittisham template. Members agreed that telephone numbers and roles and responsibilities needed to be updated.

ACTION: Cllr Valentine to discuss Environment Agency work with the Chair.

90/20 To consider the issue of dog waste in the parish and action as appropriate

The Chair said the problem of dog waste appeared to have improved, so it was not necessary to purchase a waste bin. Cllr Valentine added that he often speaks to dog walkers and reminds them of their responsibilities. Cllr Wilkins said that there were many instances of dog waste bins not being emptied in the Vale. He found that when EDDC responds to a report, the reported bin is emptied but others are not checked at the same time. Cllr Twist echoed this on the Hayne Farm development, saying that dog waste bins appear to fill up quickly. Cllr Bond encouraged them to report the issue to the Customer Service Centre, and said to report to Cllr Twiss (via the clerk) if there was no progress.​

91/20 To consider the casual vacancy in Gittisham Village ward

Members agreed the vacancy should be advertised until the third week of October, allowing a decision to be made at the November meeting.

ACTION: Clerk to advertise the vacancy.

92/20 To consider the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development

Cllr Twist reported good progress on a defibrillator, and said the next step was to agree the best location with all parties concerned.

ACTION: Cllr Twist to speak to Stella Adamson about next steps.

93/20 To consider the purchase of a computer for the parish clerk

The clerk said there was no update on this.

ACTION: Clerk to investigate and cost for next meeting.

94/20 To consider updating the parish website to comply with accessibility standards by 23rd September 2020

The clerk said public authority websites had to comply with accessibility standards, and Gititsham’s did so up to a point following the recent maintenance on the site. However, Clare Bryden of Websites Ahoy had advised that further work needed to be undertaken to make individual council documents accessible. Cllr Wilkins agreed to look into this.

ACTION: Clerk to forward accessibility guidance from Clare Bryden to Cllr Wilkins.

95/20 To review parish councillors’ roles and responsibilities

Members discussed assigning specific responsibilities, and the following was agreed:

Cllr Hall – water and drainage
Cllr Wilkins – planning decision notices, EV charging, highways
Cllr Walker – play area, lengthsman
Cllr Valentine – CLT and planning
Cllr Orchard – S106, grant applications, public transport
Cllr Twist – environment, climate change

96/20 To consider liaising with other local parish councils.

The chair suggested that making connections with other parish councils could be useful, to share problem-solving experience and ideas. Members agreed that an informal meeting, perhaps annually, with neighbouring parishes would be beneficial. The Chair said with Covid restrictions in place this would be deferred to a later date.

ACTION: Clerk to contact neighbouring parish councils.

Cllr Wilkins left the meeting.

97/20 To approve the September payments and to note the current bank balance

It was resolved to approve the following payments:

1056 Michael Poll £60. Play area grass cutting, (inv ref. 10031)
1057 Michael Poll. £60. Play area grass cutting, (inv ref. 10036)
1058 F J Clampin. £218.79 Clerk’s salary and expenses
1059 Len Abbott. £399 28.5 hours lengthsman work, July 2020 (at new rate of £14/hr)
1060 Len Abbott £112 8 hours lengthsman work, August 2020
1061 Len Abbott. £133.91 expenses (paint, repairs to strimmer, timber)
1062 Andy Wilkins £54.04 reimbursement for play area cleaning expenses

DD NEST £17.50 Clerk’s pension

The clerk said the second half of the annual precept had been received. Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £13,492.55 (which includes the £7,000 in the business reserve account).

Cllr Wilkins returned to the meeting.

98/20 To consider any late entry correspondence

Cllr Orchard informed members that the A30 would be closed between 8pm and 6am for resurfacing, with a diversion via the village. He added that roadworks on Hayne Lane / Devonshire Road junction had been rescheduled to begin on 18th November. Since the meeting DCC Highways has sent formal notification that Hayne Lane embankment works will take place 12th October – 5th November 2020.

99/20 Matters to be reported to DCC / EDDC

Cllr Wilkins said that whilst not in the parish, he felt that EDDC should be praised for the excellent refurbishment of the play area next to Cherry Gardens. This is used by children from the Vale and is proving to be very popular.

Cllr Wilkins reported there had been a few comments about the recent tree felling on Hayne Lane, south of the gate on the eastern side of the lane. It appears that ten or more established trees, together with the established hedgerow have been felled and cleared, and there seems to be no logical reason for these removals. Cllr Wilkins said he was not sure if this was being carried out by EDDC or DCC, but it is a local contractor undertaking the work. There has also been a tree felled on EDDC land between the railway line and Laburnum Close, near to the rear of no.6, again with no obvious purpose. Cllr Wilkins said in the past EDDC had been reluctant to cut back problematic trees, so this wholescale removal is rather surprising. Could the EDDC and / or DCC representative investigate and provide feedback?

Cllr Wilkins said he had received comments that there are problems for people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters traveling through the pedestrian walkway next to the gate at the end of Old Elm Road. The gap is such that mobility scooters and full-sized wheelchairs cannot turn to pass through the pedestrian chicane.

Cllr Wilkins explained that following the heavy rain on 13th August, the stream on the boundary between the Vale and St Michaels is partly blocked with debris just north of Old Elm Road. He asked if this could be cleared so that water doesn’t build up. He also noted that the balancing pond north of Old Elm Road near the railway line has yet to have its annual maintenance, in the past this has been carried out in July or August.

Cllr Twist said that over the summer there has been a problem developing on the Hayne Farm estate of foreign-registered juggernauts pulling into the estate during the night. The vehicles then have major problems trying to turn round to get out. It would appear that this is a satnav problem, but it’s unclear why this has only started happening recently. Cllr Wilkins said signs with a weight limit could be installed, but as this would require a traffic order it would take time.

ACTION: The clerk to inform DCC and EDDC respectively of the above.

ACTION: Cllr Twist to keep a diary and / or collate more information on lorry movements.

Cllr Wilkins said many appreciative comments had been received about the newly installed bench in Gittisham Vale.

100/20 For information only; items for the forward agenda

Members questioned whether it was time to order replacement pads for the Vale defibrillator; one member of the public said whoever does the weekly check can use the dashboard to inform CHT.

It was agreed to include the following items on the next agenda: coronavirus, climate change, lengthsman work, limited residential development, S106, parish clerk’s computer, parish clerk remuneration, Hayne Farm defibrillator, play area, gazette distribution, website.

ACTION: Chair to ask the lengthsman to check the status of all grit bins.

101/20 Clerk’s Report

None.

102/20 Date of next two meetings.

Wednesday 7th October and Wednesday 4th November at 7.30pm via Zoom. Should restrictions on public movement be lifted, these meetings will revert to being held in the parish room or another suitable venue.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2035 hrs.

Chairman…………………………………….

7th October 2020

Parish Council agenda 2 Sept 2020

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Ms Fiona Clampin
Clerk to the Council
Garlands
Gittisham
Honiton
EX14 3AJ
01404 851442
clerk@gittisham.eastdevon.gov.uk
26th August 2020

Members of Gittisham Parish Council

You are hereby summoned to attend the September Parish Council Meeting to be held via Zoom on Wednesday 2nd September 2020 commencing at 7.30pm to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.

The Parish Council Meeting has to take place tonight remotely for reasons of social distancing brought in by HM Government during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Prior to the start of the meeting a period of 15 minutes is allowed to permit any resident to bring appropriate matters to the notice of the Council. Please contact the clerk if you would like to do this, preferably by email in advance of the meeting, with a question you wish to be raised with Councillors on your behalf. Alternatively, members of the public can join the meeting by following the Zoom link below. If you are unable to use this facility but would still like to participate, please contact the clerk.

Join Zoom Meeting. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85969258744?pwd=RkRNMTFnbElEcjZSdnB0OWY0ZXdmUT09 Meeting ID: 859 6925 8744. Passcode: 650728

  1. To accept and approve apologies
  2. To confirm the Minutes of the meetings held on 1st July 2020 and 24th July 2020
  3. To receive the Beat Manager’s report
  4. To receive declarations of interest
  5. To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
  6. To note the latest planning decision notices
  7. To consider the following planning applications:
  8. a) 20/1600/FUL – 11 Ferndale Close Honiton EX14 2YN Construction of single storey rear extension and provision of render
  9. To consider the parish council response to the COVID-19 outbreak
  10. To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy and S106
  11. To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain drains and ditches in the parish
  12. To consider maintenance of the play area, including regular safety inspections
  13. To consider climate change measures within the parish
  14. To consider limited residential development in the parish
  15. To consider the parish emergency plan
  16. To consider the issue of dog waste in the parish and action as appropriate
  17. To consider the casual vacancy in Gittisham Village ward
  18. To consider the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development
  19. To consider the purchase of a computer for the parish clerk
  20. To consider updating the parish website to comply with accessibility standards by 23rd September 2020
  21. To review parish councillors’ roles and responsibilities
  22. To consider liaising with other local parish councils
  23. To approve the September payments and to note the current bank balance:

F Clampin £218.79
Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc
Len Abbott expenses £tbc
Michael Poll grass cutting (inv. ref 10031) £60
Michael Poll grass cutting (inv. ref 10036) £60
Andy Wilkins £54.04
NEST (pension) £17.50

  1. To consider any late entry correspondence
  2. Matters to be reported to DCC/EDDC
  3. For information only; items for the forward agenda
  4. Clerk’s report
  5. To note the date of the next two meetings, Wednesday 7th October and Wednesday 4th November 2020 at 7.30pm.

F J Clampin – Clerk

Parish Council extra ordinary meeting minutes 24 July 2020

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD VIA ZOOM ON 24th July 2020 at 11.30am

The Parish Council Meeting has to take place remotely for reasons of social distancing brought in by HM Government during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Present:

Gittisham Village Ward
Cllr C Hall (Chair)
Cllr D Valentine

Gittisham Vale Ward
Cllr A Wilkins (Vice Chair)
Cllr P Orchard
Cllr J Twist

In attendance: Cllr Susie Bond (EDDC), Richard Ayre (Baker Estates), Fiona Clampin (clerk),

Prior to the start of the meeting, Richard Ayre from Baker Estates exercised his right to speak as a member of the public regarding the planning application 20/1404/V106 Land Adjacent to Hayne Farm, Hayne Lane, Gittisham – Variation of requirement for affordable housing and other obligations in Section 106 Agreement pursuant to application 13/2744/MOUT. He said that members were probably aware that the government was encouraging local planning authorities to be understanding of the problems being experienced, in particular, by small and medium-scale developers and had instructed “that a pragmatic and proportional approach” should be taken. It would mean deferring Community Infrastructure Levy payments to parishes to reflect the current circumstances and uncertainty on the horizon due to the pandemic. Mr Ayre explained that if Baker Estates was able to have some flexibility on payments such as this to the district council, as well as S106, it would help the company proceed at its current rate of building affordable homes on the Hayne Farm site and employ local people. Mr Ayre said Baker Estates was looking at delaying part of the £500k housing contribution to September 2021 and the following September. Cllr Valentine asked if the parish council could expect a similar request to defer payments this time next year, but Mr Ayre insisted that while it was difficult to predict how the situation would progress, the company intended to pay the amount due in the future. He argued that the alternative was the company not being around to deliver the scheme or make the payments. In response to Cllr Bond’s question, Mr Ayre confirmed the affordable housing proportion would be index-linked in the future.

The Chair thanked Mr Ayre for his explanation.

1. To receive and accept apologies.

Apologies were received and accepted.

2. To receive declarations of interest

None.

3. To consider the following planning applications:

a) 20/1404/V106 Land Adjacent to Hayne Farm, Hayne Lane, Gittisham – Variation of requirement for affordable housing and other obligations in Section 106 Agreement pursuant to application 13/2744/MOUT

b) 20/1380/PDQ Land North Of Hamlet House Hamlet House Weston – Conversion of agricultural building to dwelling

Members discussed the potential delay that approval of a) might have on the development of the Gittisham CLT. Cllr Valentine said he had had a number of concerns about the possible impact that a delay in providing the commuted sum for affordable housing might have on the current proposals for the affordable housing scheme in the village. He had considered the timetable of the various steps required, and concluded that with other sources of income available such as EDDC’s Community Housing Fund it would be possible to proceed. He reminded members that Baker Estates was not seeking any reduction in levels of contribution – just the timetabling.

Members resolved to have no objections to the variation application.

Members resolved to have no objection in principle to b). However they expressed concern over the lack of supporting evidence of agricultural use in the permitted timescale. This is a key point in establishing whether this should proceed as permitted development or as an application for prior approval. They felt this could lead to a separate proposal to extend further down the line.

4. To consider the re-opening of Gittisham’s play area

Members discussed re-opening the play area, having considered EDDC’s proposed strategy and risk assessment regarding its own open spaces and parks. A risk assessment specific to Gittisham parish was distributed and approved.

The Chair said that subject to the lengthsman seeing to a number of maintenance issues, it would be possible to reopen the play area in one week. There will be some new rules for using the area (displayed at the entrance), including having one family at a time on each piece of equipment, hand sanitizer at the gate, a weekly inspection rota and cleaning of high use equipment by two councillors and installation of a rubbish bin. Members agreed this should comply with guidance from insurers, district council and the government.

They resolved to approve the purchase of necessary cleaning items and protective equipment by Cllr Wilkins, which he will claim back at a future meeting.

The Chair said she was grateful to parish councillors for their work in allowing the re-opening to go ahead in a safe and secure manner, and their continuing commitment to ensuring the play area meets the requirements. She added that she would get in touch with families, nearby neighbours and The Pig to inform them of the re-opening, and speak to those whose properties are close to the play area.

Action: Clerk to inform the insurer that the play area will be re-opening.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 1158 hrs.

Chairman…………………………………….

2nd September 2020

Parish Council extra ordinary meeting agenda 24 July 2020

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Ms Fiona Clampin
Clerk to the Council
Garlands
Gittisham
Honiton
EX14 3AJ
01404 851442
clerk@gittisham.eastdevon.gov.uk

20th July 2020

Members of Gittisham Parish Council

Dear Councillors

An Extra Ordinary Meeting of Gittisham Parish Council to which you are summoned, will be held on FRIDAY 24th JULY 2020 AT 11.30am via Zoom to consider the matters detailed on the Agenda below and make resolutions as appropriate.

Yours faithfully

Carol Hall, Chair, Gittisham Parish Council

Join Zoom Meeting. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85969258744?pwd=RkRNMTFnbElEcjZSdnB0OWY0ZXdmUT09 Meeting ID: 859 6925 8744. Passcode: 650728

AGENDA

  1. To receive and approve apologies
  2. To receive declarations of interest
  3. To consider the following planning applications:

a) 20/1404/V106 Land Adjacent to Hayne Farm, Hayne Lane, Gittisham – Variation of requirement for affordable housing and other obligations in Section 106 Agreement pursuant to application 13/2744/MOUT

b) 20/1380/PDQ Land North Of Hamlet House Hamlet House Weston – Conversion of agricultural building to dwelling

  1. To consider the re-opening of Gittisham’s play area

F J Clampin
Clerk

Parish Council meeting minutes 1 July 2020

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 1ST JULY 2020 via Skype

The Parish Council Meeting has to take place remotely for reasons of social distancing brought in by HM Government during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Present:

Gittisham Village Ward
Cllr C Hall (Chair)
Cllr M Walker
Cllr D Valentine
Gittisham Vale Ward

Cllr A Wilkins (Vice Chair)
Cllr P Orchard
Cllr J Twist

In attendance: Cllr Susie Bond (EDDC), Fiona Clampin (clerk), two members of the public

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

51/20 To elect a Chairperson and signature of Acceptance of Office

Cllr Walker nominated Cllr Hall for election as Chair for 2020/21. 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 2020/21 of Gittisham Parish Council. In accordance with Section 83 of the Local Government Act 1972, Cllr Hall then made a Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

52/20 To elect a Vice Chairperson

Cllr Walker moved, seconded by Cllr Hall :- “That Cllr Wilkins be elected as Vice Chairman for Gittisham Parish Council for 2020/2021”. Upon a vote being taken it was then resolved by a unanimous decision that Cllr Wilkins be elected Vice Chairman of Gittisham Parish Council for 2020/2021. Cllr Wilkins then made a Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

53/20 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

54/20 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 3rd June 2020

The minutes of the meeting held on 3rd June 2020 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

55/20 To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

The police did not send a report this month, and the clerk said the link to the crime statistics on the Devon & Cornwall Police website had changed. Cllr Orchard said there is a third party website which produces crime statistics, but it has a three-month time lag.

56/20 To receive declarations of interest

None.

57/20 Reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Being unable to attend the meeting, Cllr Twiss sent the following report:

“This latest Division report is inevitably taken up with the impact of COVID-19, but I feel much more confident about the many positives in it and longer term our capacity to recover and thrive in the ‘new normal’. What is sure is that when this vile disease flares up again, as seems very likely in some places, we will be much better prepared, and ready from what has been learned in double quick time during this initial outbreak.

As of Friday last week a total of 196 patients previously infected with the disease have been discharged and 1 only remains at Wonford. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 sadly 47 patients have died at the RD&E. So broadly good news as the rate of infection slows down in Devon and little negative to report, but to misquote regarding the virus and sadly ‘it will be back’. The next peak is not expected to occur until later in the year or early next but it is important that we all remain vigilant and do not become complacent. The RD&E has started Antibody Testing and early indications support previous estimates of a very low level of antibody (and hence likely immunity) in Devon compared even with e.g. Swindon and Gloucestershire. This immunity (or lack of it) significantly impacts the Effective R rate and hence the rate of spread of the disease.

A big concern as a result of COVID-19 is the impact of other areas of healthcare locally, particularly in the acute Hospital setting of the RD&E for those with life-threatening or time critical disease, as well as other patients on elective lists who are in pain and/or experiencing limitations on their ability to enjoy life to the full. Waiting lists are growing normally again, which might ordinarily be a good thing, but now for the wrong reasons with long waiting patients waiting longer still. Having virtually eradicated waits of over 52 weeks, there is now a larger group of people in this category and shows the challenges ahead. Productivity has been held back because of COVID and a plan needs to be formulated to correct this. A big ask given the operational challenges we all have and will have while the pandemic plays out.

Support for discharges to adult social care has been excellent during the pandemic (although clearly there is appropriate national debate on discharges to non-hospital care environments) and clearly we can’t return to the old ways on this and social care needs to be adequately funded.

A few broad questions relating to the RD&E that have been cropping up, with the answers below that you might find of interest.

Are we restarting elective work?
We are executing a detailed elective recovery plan covering both the ‘normal’ trust and the Nuffield. It is being clinically led, at Executive, but urging some caution the number of 40+ and 52+ week wait patients has increased dramatically and productivity (e.g. due to increased infection control measures) has reduced. So the plan will not recover the position, but will mitigate further deterioration and resources will be applied fairly and decisions driven by clinical need.

What is being done regarding staffing levels e.g. with changes in immigration rules?
The latest indications are that recruitment to further/higher education for NHS related professions has been strong. In part this is by further enhancement of an already strong NHS brand and also by the relative job security that is on offer, particularly in the context of rapidly increasing unemployment.

How is the RD&E supporting staff?
Like other NHS Trusts staff have been offered mentoring/counselling, free parking, hot drinks etc. Some of these will be maintained and enhanced (e.g. health and well-being support) others (e.g. free parking) will come to an end at some point.

Reducing inequalities
There has been much national comment on this recently, particularly in the light of increased mortality amongst BAME people and other global events. This is clearly to be welcomed. The RD&E takes the equality and indeed inclusivity agendas very seriously (at Board level this is led by the CEO). We clearly can, must and will do better. I am very keen that we continue to focus on inclusivity beyond protected characteristics as well: I do not believe that our allocation of resource is as fair as we would like it to be.

The R value
Much is talked about “The R value”. This is an important regional barometer based on modelling data, but while it provides an estimate of ongoing transmission, it alone does not determine the rate of growth of coronavirus and does not accurately reflect Devon’s local data on the ground and should be treated with a little caution.

The South West R value spans from Isles of Scilly to Bristol, and while there have been hotspots in other parts of the region that increase the R value, Devon’s figures have remained low. We have the fifth lowest number of recorded cases when comparing Devon to all 150 upper tier local authorities and the consistency of the numbers suggest that levels have plateaued recently. That’s in part due to our residents adhering to lockdown, and heeding national guidance around staying home and social distancing. We have done well in that regard and need to keep that up.

COVID-19 Prompt Action Fund.

The fund was launched at the very start of the lockdown 24th March as a grant of less than £500 for constituted and not-for-private-profit voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector groups and organisations, town and parish councils, charities, or a combination of such groups working together.

After the first 50 or so applications it became obvious that, in some cases, £500 was not nearly enough to cover costs such as providing ready meals, transportation and a myriad of other services provided so a further grant fund was added to a maximum of £5,000. To date some 370 separate applications have been received of which some 340 have been processed (some were clearly nothing to do with the present pandemic and the grants were seen to prop up ordinary activities!). Decisions to fund (or not) were triaged and it was difficult to take a decision, where DCC Officers have been very fair in processing them.

£330,000 has been distributed so far against an original budget of £480,000. Applications have been tailing off during the last couple of weeks; so much of the remaining fund will now be put towards the ‘recovery phase’, however that looks.

Transportation

Friday 5th June was the last day that National Bus Pass Holders were able to use passes before 09.30. Transport providers now need capacity for workers and commuters especially with social distancing reducing capacity on buses by more than 50%. At present services are operating at a reduced level of around 50% (although this does vary across the County and are being additionally supported by two parallel CBSSG (COVID-19 Bus Services Support Grant) funds, one paid direct to operators and one via local authorities for supported services, both about to expire. A new tranche of CBSSG will be paid direct to operators. Stagecoach has indicated that they will aim for an 80% restoration of bus services.

In view of the uncertainty over how to preserve existing supported services, with reference to the previously announced New Funding prior to the present crisis, it is highly likely that DCC will not proceed with our programme of new and extended services, but instead use the funding to supporting existing services during this period of uncertainty.

Libraries

Library buildings may be closed due to the difficulty of social distancing but library staff have been hard at work enhancing their e-readership by increasing their library of e-books, loaning e-readers and even hand delivering books to the more vulnerable or ‘shielded’ residents.

Children’s Services and Schools

Since the COVID 19 emergency was announced over 300 schools (85%) have remained open for children of key workers and vulnerable children. At the start on 24th March we had 2455 children in school and as the pandemic developed numbers went down to 866. Numbers gradually went up again and just before half term on the 20th of May nearly 4000 children were attending. The attendance of key workers and vulnerable children has been above the National average. Teachers have been brilliant from the start and it is hard to over emphasise how flexible and imaginative they have been.

The overwhelming majority of children have been at home and schools have been engaging with their students virtually and with workbooks. Devon’s school population is about 96000. Early Years and Childminders have been open as well, about 497 (44%). When the Government announced that some Primary Year Groups would return to school from the 1st of June 2020, all schools were asked to do a COVID 19 safety assessment, which is valuable for when they do re-open. Schools are keeping in close contact with parents and it is fully appreciated that many parents and teachers are concerned at schools starting to open. It’s an individual decision. This virus is going to be with us for some time and we need to find a way to live with it.

Social Care

Primarily DCC needs to plan for the worst, but hope for the best e.g. Domiciliary Care Agencies unable to provide Care, to clear and make space in our Acute Hospitals, as well as the need to provide additional accommodation and plan for a much worse scenario than has actually happened! The extra planning, work and expense needs to be viewed in this context. Adult Social Care staff have risen to the enormous challenge and have acted in an exemplary manner, matters not helped when one of the Senior Staff members succumbed to the virus and still recovering. However DCC has been working for many years in partnership with the NHS and these good working relationships have undoubtedly helped to weather the storm.

Supporting Communities

Working to identify and contact people within different levels of vulnerability, such as those in the Shielding Group, and those that may be a drain on the Health and Care System without some support – so a voluntary and community response needed to be identified and developed.

Working with the Clinical commission Group DCC to create a ‘Third Capacity’ building were identified buildings that could support the Covid-19 discharge pathway and release hospital bed capacity. In the end, 3 facilities were established – The Hamptons Hotel Exeter, Durrant House Hotel Bideford, and the Nightingale Hospital Sowton Exeter.

DCC set up a Provider email mailbox that is monitored 7 days a week and made arrangements to ensure that Care Homes had sufficient food and developed a Provider Sustainability Framework that includes the payment of guaranteed hours for staff. A new contract has been offered to DCC Domiciliary care Providers (DCP), as long as they guaranteed to pay their Care workers £10/hour. We helped coordinate the provision of PPE – sourced new suppliers – and became the provider of last resort – making available PPE to anyone who was in danger of running out. DCC has also covered the additional costs of PPE. Where a Home has had a case of Covid-19, additional support and staffing were provided.

Cllr Bond said that work is ongoing to attempt to get the council back on to a normal calendar of meetings, while at the same time continuing to tackle the issues faced with Covid.

The new administration has called two meetings of the Zoom Planning Committee in July as there are a number of applications requiring decision.

Meanwhile, the Greater Exeter Strategic Plan is moving slowly forward, said Cllr Bond. This is a joint initiative of Teignbridge District Council, Exeter City Council, Mid-Devon District Council and East Devon District Council and looks at future development to 2040. Given Boris Johnson’s mantra of ‘Build, Build, Build’, it’s important that this process continues, so that allocations for future development are decided democratically, rather than by developer whim. A meeting of the Strategic Planning Committee meeting (again via Zoom) will be held on 23 July (5-7 pm) to discuss whether the Option sites should be sent out to public consultation in September.

Cllr Bond added that EDDC would soon be issuing guidance to town and parish councils on reopening play areas, and members agreed that Gittisham would wait to hear what the district council advised before taking any further steps.

58/20 To consider the parish council response to the COVID-19 outbreak

The Chair said the volunteer group was working well in the village, and Cllr Wilkins said this was the same in the Vale. Cllr Wilkins asked if more books could be donated to the book exchange in the Vale bus stop. Cllr Walker reported that St Michael’s Church was now open again.

59/20 To note the latest planning decision notices

a) 20/0902/FUL – Coign Cottage Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AB – Construction of single storey front extension and provision of cladding to the existing stables.
Approval – standard time limit.

b) 20/0780/FUL 7 Ferndale Close Honiton EX14 2YN – Extension to existing outbuilding including single storey flat roof extension on rear elevation of main house linking to extended outbuilding.
Approval with conditions.

60/20 To consider the following planning applications:

a) 20/0451/FUL Shermans Farm Gittisham EX14 3AU – Construction of permanent agricultural worker’s dwelling with parking and associated development (amended plans regarding elevations / floor and site plans, additional site drawings, Landscape Architect comments)

Members had no objection to the amended application.

61/20 To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106

Cllr Orchard said the public consultation had ended on 27th June, but the clerk confirmed that no specific suggestions had been received for new outdoor sports equipment. Cllr Valentine said he had asked Baker Estates if the parish council could look at the footpath network around Hayne Lane with the prospect of putting in some benches. He had also suggested to Baker Estates a fitness trail as a possibility.

ACTION: Cllr Orchard to check with Jamie Buckley at EDDC the next steps now the public consultation has finished, and to ask whether benches can be purchased using S106 funding or CIL.

Cllr Walker said some village residents had asked if it would be possible to provide additional dog waste bins.

ACTION: The Chair to investigate prices from independent suppliers, as EDDC’s are considered too high.

62/20 To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain drains and ditches in the parish

Cllr Valentine said the village bus shelter could do with a lick of paint, and the Chair suggested this would be a good time to undertake this. She added that Len Abbott had confirmed he had carried out the strimming work in the river under his own direction.

The Chair said that following a meeting between herself, Cllr Orchard and Mike Brown of DCC Highways, Mr Brown said the collapsed culvert outside Clysthayes was on his list of repairs. Cllr Orchard said that DCC had told him the blocked culvert between Old Elm Road and the railway was not sufficiently blocked to need work.

ACTION: Cllr Walker to ask Len Abbott to repaint the bus shelter. The clerk to forward the current play area inspection report to Cllr Walker.

63/20 To consider climate change measures within the parish

Members discussed the possibility of installing an electric vehicle charging point in the village.

ACTION: Cllr Wilkins to take this project forward and research options.

64/20 To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said he was waiting for a response to a detailed report he’d prepared to justify the planning aspects of the proposed development to EDDC. Elsewhere, he said the CLT had been seeking tenders for onsite investigations, as well as the expressions of interest from architects. He remarked that at one point Baker Estates had offered to contribute £100,000 towards the cost of the Gittisham CLT, but this offer had been rejected by EDDC as it was considered inappropriate at that stage to make offers. However, he added, in the subsequent S106 agreement that came forward, Baker Estates had provided for £500,000 towards the provision of affordable housing in the district. Cllr Valentine said he hoped that some of this could be spent in Gittisham, especially as the design considerations for any future planning application by the CLT could be above and beyond what a housing association would be prepared to pay. Members thanked Cllr Valentine, and said they were pleased to learn things were moving forward.

65/20 To consider the parish emergency plan

Cllr Valentine said he and Cllr Orchard were looking to see how they could incorporate a template emergency plan for parishes that DCC had produced in 2015, as well as guidance from Devon Communities Together. He added that a community response team would need to be in place, which did not need to be connected to the parish council, and he would be asking for volunteers. The Chair said that the COVID-19 crisis had revealed how many vulnerable people there were in the parish, and also how many people were prepared to volunteer their help. Cllr Valentine said he and Cllr Orchard would report back to the parish council over the course of the next few months.

ACTION: Cllr Valentine to ask the Chair where it is possible to source some up to date flood plans.

66/20 To consider the casual vacancy in Gittisham Village ward

Following the resignation of Cllr Hayman, the clerk said the casual vacancy had been advertised on the noticeboards and the parish website. She said that if ten electors came forward by 15th July 2020 to request an election, an election would be held to fill the vacancy. (Under current legislation a poll cannot take place until 6 May 2021 as a result of the Local Government and Police and Crime Commissioner (Coronavirus) (Postponement of Elections and Referendums) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 and the Coronavirus Act 2020.) If not, the parish council could proceed to co-opt, and follow the policy approved at the March 2020 meeting (minute ref 237/19).

67/20 To approve the July payments and to note the current bank balance

It was resolved to approve the following payments:

1049 F J Clampin £220.09. Clerk’s salary and expenses
1050 F J Clampin £218.79. Clerk’s salary (to cover August, as no meeting)
1051 Michael Poll £60. Play area grass cutting, (inv ref. 10016)
1052 Michael Poll £60 Play area grass cutting, (inv ref. 10020)
1053 Len Abbott £147. 10.5 hours lengthsman work, June 2020 (at new rate of £14/hr)
1054 Len Abbott. £5.65. Expenses (petrol), June 2020
1055 Len Abbott £4. Backdated pay owing to cover new rate of £14/hr from 1st April 2020
DD. NEST. £17.50 Clerk’s pension
DD. NEST. £17.50. Clerk’s pension

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £10,328.76 (which includes the £7,000 in the business reserve account).

68/20 To complete the annual review of effectiveness of internal control and risk assessment

Members adopted the risk assessment and the annual review of effectiveness of internal control.

69/20 To complete the annual review of the standing orders and financial regulations

Members adopted the financial regulations. The clerk said as new model standing orders were due to be issued by NALC, she would move the review of standing orders to a future agenda.

70/20 To review the parish council’s asset register

The clerk said she had added the bench which is due to be installed in Gittisham Vale. Councillors resolved to approve the amended version.

71/20 To consider any late entry correspondence

Cllr Valentine said Fiona Moores at The Pig had told him that the hotel would be reopening on 6th July 2020.
Cllr Wilkins said the new Combe Farm shop would be opening soon.
Cllr Orchard reported that the bus stops in Devonshire Road and at Combe Garden Centre are due to be installed on 5th August.

ACTION: The clerk to write to Fiona Moores asking that staff and visitors be reminded of the need to drive slowly through the village and surrounding roads.

72/20 Matters to be reported to DCC / EDDC

Cllr Wilkins said he welcomed the start of works on Hayne Lane on 3rd August. He said he had spoken to DCC operatives inspecting the site, who had found a collapsed culvert.

73/20 For information only; items for the forward agenda

It was agreed to meet next in September 2020, and include the following items on the next agenda: casual vacancy, coronavirus, climate change, lengthsman work, limited residential development, S106, parish clerk’s computer, Hayne Farm defibrillator, play area.

74/20 Clerk’s Report

None.

75/20 Date of next two meetings.

Wednesday 2nd September and Wednesday 7th October at 7.30pm via Zoom.
Should restrictions on public movement be lifted, these meetings will revert to being held in the parish room or another suitable venue.

ACTION: The Chair to set up a Zoom meeting instead of Skype.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2045 hrs.

Chairman…………………………………….

2nd September 2020

Parish Council agenda 1 July 2020

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Ms Fiona Clampin
Clerk to the Council
Garlands
Gittisham
Honiton
EX14 3AJ
01404 851442
clerk@gittisham.eastdevon.gov.uk

25th June 2020

Members of Gittisham Parish Council

You are hereby summoned to attend the June Parish Council Meeting to be held via Skype on Wednesday 1st July 2020 commencing at 7.30pm to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.

The Parish Council Meeting has to take place tonight remotely for reasons of social distancing brought in by HM Government during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Prior to the start of the meeting a period of 15 minutes is allowed to permit any resident to bring appropriate matters to the notice of the Council. Please contact the clerk if you would like to do this, preferably by email in advance of the meeting, with a question you wish to be raised with Councillors on your behalf. Alternatively, members of the public can join the meeting by following this link: https://join.skype.com/aUksI23AsIzJ If you are unable to use this facility but would still like to participate, please contact the clerk.

  1. To elect a Chairperson and signature of Acceptance of Office
  2. To elect a Vice Chairperson
  3. To accept and approve apologies
  4. To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 3rd June 2020
  5. To receive the Beat Manager’s report
  6. To receive declarations of interest
  7. To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
  8. To consider the parish council response to the COVID-19 outbreak
  9. To note the latest planning decision notices
  10. To consider the following planning applications:

a) 20/0451/FUL – Shermans Farm Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AU Construction of permanent agricultural worker’s dwelling with parking and associated development (amended plans regarding elevations/floor and site plans, additional site drawings, Landscape Architect comments)

  1. To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy and S106
  2. To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain drains and ditches in the parish
  3. To consider climate change measures within the parish
  4. To consider limited residential development in the parish
  5. To consider the parish emergency plan
  6. To consider the casual vacancy in Gittisham Village ward
  7. To approve the July payments and to note the current bank balance:

F Clampin £218.79 + expenses £1.30
F Clampin £218.79 [if no August meeting]
Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc
Len Abbott expenses £tbc
Michael Poll grass cutting £60
Michael Poll grass cutting £60
NEST (pension) £17.50

  1. To complete the annual review of effectiveness of internal control and risk assessment
  2. To complete the annual review of the standing orders and financial regulations
  3. To review the parish council’s asset register
  4. To consider any late entry correspondence
  5. Matters to be reported to DCC/EDDC
  6. For information only; items for the forward agenda
  7. Clerk’s report
  8. To note the date of the next two meetings, Wednesday 5th August and Wednesday 2nd September 2020 at 7.30pm.

F J Clampin – Clerk

Parish Council meeting minutes 3 June 2020

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 3RD JUNE 2020 via Skype

The Parish Council Meeting has to take place remotely for reasons of social distancing brought in by HM Government during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Present:

Gittisham Village Ward
Cllr R Hayman (Chair)
Cllr C Hall (Vice Chair)
Cllr M Walker
Cllr D Valentine

Gittisham Vale Ward
Cllr A Wilkins
Cllr P Orchard
Cllr J Twist

In attendance: Cllr Susie Bond (EDDC), Fiona Clampin (clerk), three members of the public

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

Prior to the start of the meeting, one member of the public exercised their right to speak regarding the planning application for Goldcombe Farmhouse 20/0912/VAR. He said that allowing the conversion of the Cider Barn to a residential let would allow the owners to invest in the other dwelling for holiday accommodation, creating the conditions for a viable business in the parish and accommodation for the use of local people. He added that he had received letters of support from The Pig hotel. Cllr Wilkins noted that the conversion was in line with the parish plan, and members agreed with the Chair’s comment that the applicants had been careful to follow the legal application process.

Three members of the public left the meeting.

23/20 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

24/20 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 6th May 2020

The minutes of the meeting held on 6th May 2020 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

25/20 To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

The police did not send a report this month, and the clerk said the link to the crime statistics on the Devon & Cornwall Police website had changed.

26/20 To receive declarations of interest

Cllr Valentine declared an interest in agenda items 8a) (minute ref 30/20) as he has advised the applicants in the past in a professional capacity.

27/20 Reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Following the meeting, Cllr Twiss emailed to say that he had agreed to support £500 from his DCC Locality budget towards the benches project for the village hall.

Cllr Bond said that as we are still in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, work at EDDC has been devoted to supporting communities and businesses across the district. She said the district council had started holding meetings via Zoom which have been reasonably successful as long as everyone adheres to basic rules of muting microphones and not interrupting others. So far, a planning meeting has been held, as well as a Scrutiny committee meeting where the Chief Executive updated councillors on the work of the Council through this crisis. East Devon, in partnership with other local district councils under the banner of ‘Team Devon’ has been awarded Beacon Council status and will lead and share good practice regarding the development of Local Outbreak Delivery Plans. EDDC will receive a share of the £300million pot to establish the delivery plan through management of infection control, setting up tracking and tracing and local testing arrangements.

At the same time as we have been working hard to keep council services running during a time of national crisis, others have been playing politics, Cllr Bond explained. A group of 31 councillors (made up of Lib Dems, Independents and Greens) have formed an alliance and, at a meeting of full council last week elected Cllr Paul Arnott (East Devon Alliance) as the new leader. On a personal level, Cllr Bond said the previous administration always had a very tenuous hold, but despite that it had been doing some great work and planning towards addressing climate change.

28/20 To consider the parish council response to the COVID-19 outbreak

Cllr Walker said the volunteer group was working well in the village, and Cllr Wilkins said this was the same in the Vale. Cllr Hall said East Devon’s supermarket deliveries scheme had spare slots available for people who were at greater risk from leaving home to buy supplies, and anyone interested in signing up could speak to one of the volunteers.

The clerk circulated the following briefing from Damian Furniss from Devon County Council:

  • Devon continues to be one of the least impacted areas regarding COVID-19 infections and fatalities
  • There are now only 4 care homes in Devon with outbreaks – an outbreak is only closed when all residents have been asymptomatic for 14 days. However, in some of the more northerly parts of the SW there has been an increase in cases and hospitalisations e.g. Weston-Super-Mare
  • If the R-number (average number of onward infections from each case) stays below 1, we’d see infections in Devon reduce to near zero over the summer. But if the R-number reduced to only 1.3 we would be back to the early April peak by August
  • Devon County Council and its partners continue our #ThinkTwice Campaign – think twice before visiting beaches and beauty spots, especially if you have access to outdoor spaces where you live
  • The Test and Trace system is also key to preventing a second wave – if you have symptoms get tested, report your contacts, cooperate with requests to self-isolate
  • 270 of the 320 primary schools across the county are open. Around 185 of these schools are offering parents wider access to provision in  Reception, Year 1 or Year 6 as well as classes for the children of key workers and vulnerable children. Other schools are planning staged openings with some provision over the coming week. Around 40 per cent of families who had access to wider provision from this week have taken up the offer. Schools are also experiencing a big increase in the children of key workers attending classes since before the half-term – nearly a third up on last month
  • For those interested, the Adult Care and Health Scrutiny Committee will be receiving detailed reports on 16/6 – https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=429

29/20 To note the latest planning decision notices

a) 20/0378/FUL 1 Riverside Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AE – Extension to existing outbuilding including single storey flat roof extension on rear elevation of main house linking to extended outbuilding.
Approval with conditions.

b) 20/0379/LBC 1 Riverside Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AE – Extension to existing outbuilding works to also include raising floor level to match the main house.
Approval with conditions.

c) 20/0584/FUL – Coign Cottage Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AB – Remodelling of existing dwelling and garage including raising of ridge heights, single and two storey enlargements, balcony, dormer windows, provision of cladding, and alterations to existing openings.
Approval with conditions.

Cllr Valentine left the meeting.

30/20 To consider the following planning applications:

a) 20/0912/VAR Goldcombe Farmhouse Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AB – Variation of Condition 5 of planning application 84/P0792 (conversion of existing buildings to holiday dwellings) to allow year round occupancy of the holiday units within the site and variation of Condition 6 of planning application 84/P0792 to allow The Cider Barn to be used as an unrestricted residential dwelling

Members had no objection to a).

Cllr Valentine returned to the meeting.

b) 20/0902/FUL – Coign Cottage Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AB – Construction of single storey front extension and provision of cladding to the existing stables

Members had no objection to b).

31/20 To consider an application for the renewal of street trading consent from: Mr Graeme James – The Codfather; 1 x catering van (fish and chips); 16:30 – 19:00 – every Saturday – far end of Old Elm Road, Honiton EX14 2YW

Members had no objection to the renewal of the above-mentioned street trading consent.

32/20 To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106

Cllr Orchard said the public consultation on new outdoor sports equipment which can be purchased using S106 funding was ongoing. The clerk agreed to invite EDDC’s Jamie Buckley to the next meeting, and reported that a member of the public had commented that the money should be spent at the Hayne Farm development, as it appeared likely that several hundred children would be living there by the time the estate was built. Cllr Valentine said he would be speaking to Baker Estates about what could be provided there.

33/20 To consider capital works to Gittisham Village Hall

Cllr Hall reported that the redecoration work was now complete, and looked fantastic. She said the total cost had come in at £50 under the original budget. The Chair thanked Cllr Hall for her work.

34/20 To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain drains and ditches in the parish

Cllr Walker reported that the lengthsman was proposing to carry out some strimming at T-junctions to improve visibility; Cllr Valentine suggested the Beech Walk / Sidmouth Road junction was particularly necessary. Cllr Walker agreed to tell the lengthsman he could carry out work in the play area as required by the annual inspection report. Cllr Hall said she had a received a query regarding strimming along the river in the centre of the village; members agreed that the main benefit was to provide confidence the river was being maintained and the waterways kept clear. Cllr Walker agreed to ask the lengthsman if this work was being carried out on behalf of the parish council or the owners of the riverside properties.

Cllr Orchard reported that the culvert between Old Elm Road and the railway was blocked; he agreed to report this to East Devon DC, as the work required was too much for the lengthsman to tackle alone.

35/20 To consider climate change measures within the parish

There was no progress on this.

36/20 To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said the administration side of things was moving forward, the most significant being a call for expressions of interest from architects. He added that of the five invited, four had already responded and three had expressed an interest which he found encouraging. Cllr Valentine said that although the CLT board had been unable to hold an AGM because of the movement restrictions, he hoped that this might change in the not too distant future.

37/20 To consider the parish emergency plan

Cllr Valentine said he had been discussing updating this with Cllr Orchard, as it was felt that the situation had evolved since the original document was drafted ten years ago.

38/20 To consider the parish council’s internal communications

Members agreed that all councillors and the clerk should be copied in on all communications regarding parish council work.

39/20 To consider progress on the modernisation of the play area, including fundraising and regular safety inspections

Members heard that the play area is still not in use, due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Cllr Hall agreed to write to the residents with properties bordering the play area to update them on the situation with the screen hedge in the wild area. It was agreed that the modernisation being complete, it was no longer necessary to include that element of this item, nor to include it as a regular monthly item on the agenda.

40/20 To consider a review of remuneration of the parish lengthsman

It was agreed to increase the lengthsman’s hourly rate to £14 from 1st April 2020, and to backdate the amount of the additional rate from next month.

41/20 To approve the June payments and to note the current bank balance

It was resolved to approve the following payments:

1043 F J Clampin £219.55 Clerk’s salary and expenses
1044 Michael Poll £60 Play area grass cutting, (inv ref. 10013)
1045 Michael Poll. £60 Play area grass cutting, (inv ref. 10009)
1046 Alison Marshall £100 Internal audit 2019-20
1047 Len Abbott. £91 6.5 hours lengthsman work, May 2020 (at new rate of £14/hr)
1048 Websites Ahoy £140.40 Reimbursement for annual domain name & hosting, and website maintenance
DD NEST. £17.50 Clerk’s pension

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £11,079.29 (which includes the £7,000 in the business reserve account). The clerk explained that cheques 1022 and 1023 payable to 34SP for the website domain name & hosting had only just arrived at the company’s offices. In order to keep the website functioning, Clare Bryden from Websites Ahoy had instead made a payment to 34SP – hence the reimbursement. Cheques 1022 and 1023 would be torn up.

The remaining cheques for the village hall work had been written as follows [this updates minute ref 17/20]:

1039 Paul Martin £1,000 Village hall refurbishment (wk6)
1040 Adam Martin £1,000 Village hall refurbishment (wk6)
1041 Paul Martin £1,025 Village hall refurbishment (wk7)
1042 Adam Martin £1,025 Village hall refurbishment (wk7)

42/20 To consider the criteria for meeting exemption from the annual limited assurance review 2019-20

Members agreed the criteria had been met, ie that during the financial year 2019/20 the higher of the parish council’s gross income or gross annual expenditure for the year did not exceed £25,000.

43/20 To set and approve the period for the exercise of public rights 2019-20

Members approved the period for the exercise of public rights to extend from 15th June to 24th July 2020.

44/20 To approve the annual governance statement 2019-20

Members resolved to approve the annual governance statement 2019-20.

45/20 To adopt the annual accounts 2019-20

Members resolved to adopt the 2019-20 accounts. Prior to the meeting, the clerk circulated the accounting statements. The parish council ended the financial year on 31st March 2020 with a balance of £17,545.04 (inc. £7,000 in business reserve, + £14.15 interest accumulated this year). There is VAT to be recovered of £2,344.39.

46/20 To consider any late entry correspondence

Members agreed with Cllr Orchard’s suggestion that the parish council should provide a dedicated laptop for the clerk, as recommended in the auditor’s report. The clerk agreed to provide a specification and some quotes, and also to reflect on whether the parish council’s offer to pay for 20 hours’ worth of broadband made economic sense. She added that her broadband contract is due for renewal in February 2021, and early exit fees were payable.

The Chair announced that he would be standing down from his position and the parish council, as soon as practicably possible. Members thanked the Chair for his contribution to the parish and many years of public service.

Cllr Valentine thanked Cllr Wilkins for setting up the meeting link, which will be different again next month.

47/20 Matters to be reported to DCC / EDDC

Cllr Bond reminded members that the green waste collection service was once again open to new members; Cllr Hall felt this would be particularly interesting given that many people are gardening more in lockdown. The Chair asked if the parish would be well served for buses, especially considering social distancing measures in place on public transport. The clerk agreed to contact Cllr Twiss.

48/20 Matters for the forward agenda

It was agreed to include casual vacancy, election of new Chair, coronavirus, climate change, lengthsman work, limited residential development, emergency plan, review of clerk’s salary, S106 consultation, asset register, statement of internal control, standing orders, risk assessment and financial regulations on the next agenda.

49/20 Clerk’s Report

Before the meeting, the clerk circulated the annual internal audit report. Members approved the clerk’s request to write to HMRC asking for a tax rebate, as there is an amount owing.

50/20 Date of next two meetings.

Wednesday 1st July and Wednesday 5th August at 7.30pm via Skype. Should restrictions on public movement be lifted, these meetings will revert to being held in the parish room.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2030 hrs.

Chairman…………………………………….

1st July 2020

Parish Council agenda 3 June 2020

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Ms Fiona Clampin
Clerk to the Council
Garlands
Gittisham
Honiton
EX14 3AJ
01404 851442
clerk@gittisham.eastdevon.gov.uk

28th May 2020

Members of Gittisham Parish Council

You are hereby summoned to attend the June Parish Council Meeting to be held via Skype on Wednesday 3rd June 2020 commencing at 7.30pm to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.

The Parish Council Meeting has to take place tonight remotely for reasons of social distancing brought in by HM Government during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Prior to the start of the meeting a period of 15 minutes is allowed to permit any resident to bring appropriate matters to the notice of the Council. Please contact the clerk if you would like to do this, preferably by email in advance of the meeting, with a question you wish to be raised with Councillors on your behalf. Alternatively, members of the public can join the meeting by following this link: https://join.skype.com/oX1jekvx8XSl If you are unable to use this facility but would still like to participate, please contact the clerk.

  1. To accept and approve apologies
  2. To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 6th May 2020
  3. To receive the Beat Manager’s report
  4. To receive declarations of interest
  5. To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
  6. To consider the parish council response to the COVID-19 outbreak
  7. To note the latest planning decision notices
  8. To consider the following planning applications:

a) 20/0912/VAR Goldcombe Farmhouse Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AB – Variation of Condition 5 of planning application 84/P0792 (conversion of existing buildings to holiday dwellings) to allow year round occupancy of the holiday units within the site and variation of Condition 6 of planning application 84/P0792 to allow The Cider Barn to be used as an unrestricted residential dwelling

b) 20/0902/FUL – Coign Cottage Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AB – Construction of single storey front extension and provision of cladding to the existing stables

  1. To consider an application for the renewal of street trading consent from: Mr Graeme James – The Codfather; 1 x catering van (fish and chips); 16:30 – 19:00 – every Saturday – far end of Old Elm Road, Honiton EX14 2YW
  2. To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy and S106
  3. To consider capital works to Gittisham village hall
  4. To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain drains and ditches in the parish
  5. To consider climate change measures within the parish
  6. To consider limited residential development in the parish
  7. To consider the parish emergency plan
  8. To consider the parish council’s internal communications
  9. To consider progress on the modernisation of the play area, including fundraising and regular safety inspections
  10. To consider a review of remuneration of the parish lengthsman
  11. To approve the June payments and to note the current bank balance:

F Clampin £218.79 + expenses £0.76
Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc
Len Abbott expenses £tbc
Michael Poll grass cutting £60
Michael Poll grass cutting £60
Alison Marshall internal audit (£tbc)
Websites Ahoy reimbursement of domain name & hosting and payment for maintenance £140.40
NEST (clerk’s pension) £17.50

  1. To consider the criteria for meeting exemption from the annual limited assurance review 2019-20
  2. To set and approve the period for the exercise of public rights 2019-20
  3. To approve the annual governance statement 2019-20
  4. To approve and adopt the 2019/20 accounts
  5. To consider any late entry correspondence
  6. Matters to be reported to DCC/EDDC
  7. Matters for the forward agenda
  8. Clerk’s report
  9. To note the date of the next two meetings, Wednesday 1st July and Wednesday 5th August 2020 at 7.30pm.

F J Clampin – Clerk

Parish Council meeting minutes 6 May 2020

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD ON 6TH MAY 2020

via Skype

The Parish Council Meeting has to take place remotely for reasons of social distancing brought in by HM Government during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Present:

Gittisham Village Ward:

Cllr R Hayman (Chair)

Cllr M Walker

Cllr D Valentine

Gittisham Vale Ward:

Cllr A Wilkins

Cllr P Orchard

Cllr J Twist

In attendance: Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), Cllr Susie Bond (EDDC), Fiona Clampin (clerk), three members of the public

Apologies for absence: Cllr C Hall (Vice Chair), PCSO Darren England

Before the meeting Damian Furniss updated members regarding the situation with corona virus from DCC’s perspective, where he is acting as the lead on this for the county’s adult social care system. He said that Devon had the fewest infections, fatalities and outbreaks in England relative to population size.  He added that evidence shows that small rural communities have much lower levels of infection than urban areas.  About 15 per cent of care homes in Devon have outbreaks, also among the lowest in the country.  But sadly, he said, Devon has had several care homes with ten or more fatalities due to COVID-19.  Exeter is significantly the most impacted part of the county, with more than double the infection rate.  Mr Furniss explained that the risk is a longer duration of outbreaks in Devon, and as lockdown restrictions ease, opening up travel could bring in infection from elsewhere.  In the immediate area, he said, which includes Feniton, Whimple etc, there have been no fatalities.  There have been very few fatalities in neighbouring areas, such as Honiton and Ottery.  The Chair thanked Mr Furniss for his input, and said although the news was good, it was still worth being cautious.  More information on this developing situation is available from www.devon.gov.uk/document/coronavirus-advice-in-devon/

Damian Furniss left the meeting.

One member of the public reported that the grit bin near Sherman’s Farm had been raided and was therefore empty.  The clerk agreed to update this on the dedicated DCC website.

1/20        To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted. 

2/20        To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 1st April 2020

The minutes of the meeting held on 1st April 2020 were confirmed and signed by the Chair. 

3/20        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

PCSO England sent the following figures for recorded crime covering 1st January – 30th April 2020:

Homicide: 1

Violence without injury: 3

Vehicle offences: 1

Public order offences: 1

4/20        To receive declarations of interest

The Chair declared an interest in agenda items 8a) and b) as he is a tenant of the landowner.

5/20        Reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Household waste recycling centre (not EDDC home collections)

Cllr Twiss said that with a Government update on the reasons for essential travel not forthcoming, it was not possible to carry on with this situation where residents cannot use recycling centres.  Therefore the recycling centres will open on Monday 11th May. DCC officers have spoken to the local police regarding the essential travel element and they are content with the reopening.

This will be challenging, said Cllr Twiss, and we will be restricting vehicles to cars only for the first couple of weeks at least, to help with flow through the site, there will be a one out one in system and social distancing will be adhered to. We are expecting long queues as we have all been having a good clear out, hence the advice is to please only visit if it is essential.  He advised that capacity will be reduced.  It may well be worth considering putting off that exciting trip to the recycling centre until things calm down a bit. There will be no resale shops open, all payments will be contactless and we will have security on the sites.

He reported that the last weekend that they were open, which was before the lockdown, the staff were subjected to abuse.  This included staff being coughed on to pass on the Covid-19 infection, there was no adherence to social distancing and queues on the highway were forming.  Some centres had to be closed as a result to control the situation. DCC will have no hesitation in doing this again, as the safety of our residents and the staff at the sites is paramount.

Once there is a lifting of social distancing we can look at changing back to our former way of working at the HWRC’s but until then, restrictions will be in place and a consequent longer wait for the public.  DCC will be keeping all the sites under review and will be amending the operations accordingly.  Once we have got over the initial surge, Cllr Twiss explained, we can then have larger vehicles and trailers on the site.  But to give everyone a fair chance of accessing the site, the cars-only restriction will be in place for a couple of weeks, unless in the unlikely event that  there are no queues.  This has been a challenging time for our officers in the DCC waste and recycling team, they have pulled out all the stops to get this moving forward at pace.

DCC Highways

Highways teams are continuing to work, but a combination of safe working practices, staff sickness and limited access to relevant equipment and supplies is severely restricting activities, which it is hoped will ramp up in coming weeks, with an anticipated and controlled lifting of some lock down restrictions . Emergency service call outs and repairs are being treated as priorities.

Cllr Twiss said that in the chief executive’s address to DCC staff and councillors, Phil Norrey explained that the Government is expected to outline its plans for the next steps for the country on Sunday 10th May. This could include guidance to help get people back to work in the coming weeks, while continuing to follow social distancing and hygiene measures.  Mr Norrey had been joining chief executives from across the country in regular discussions with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government about possible relaxation measures and what this might mean for us in Devon.  Mr Norrey said that he and the Leadership Group are immensely proud of how you have all responded to the threat of the virus and helped the South West maintain the lowest number of cases in the country. But we are still very sadly losing loved ones and we need to do all we can to continue to protect ourselves and those around us.  That’s why he is continuing to urge the Government to think very carefully about how coronavirus is affecting our communities and that any relaxation measures need to be balanced with continuing to do all we can to minimise the spread of the virus.  At Devon County Council we are beginning to think ahead about what the ‘new normal’ might look like for us. We have shown over the past weeks how adaptable we are and that we can continue to deliver vital services and protect the most vulnerable in our communities in extraordinary circumstances.

Mr Norrey finished his briefing by saying DCC will of course continue to review all its working arrangements as Government guidance emerges but for now, please keep going; please keep working from home if you can; please take care on the frontline and most of all, please keep safe.

Cllr Bond said EDDC had made available various funds to support struggling businesses and families in need.  She said the green waste collection would be starting again on Monday 11th May, although it is not open to new subscribers at the moment.  The Chair said there had been a marked increase in flytipping; Cllr Bond said this could be reported on the EDDC app.  Members agreed that any problems were swiftly dealt with.

Cllr Twiss left the meeting.

6/20        To consider the parish council response to the COVID-19 outbreak

Cllr Walker said the volunteer group was working well in the village, and Cllr Wilkins said this was the same in the Vale. 

7/20        To note the latest planning decision notices

Cllr Wilkins said there had been no updates since the last meeting.

The Chair left the meeting.  Cllr Valentine took the chair.

8/20        To consider the following planning applications:

a)  20/0781/FUL Rapshayes Farm Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AB – Conversion of barn to holiday let accommodation

b)  20/0782/LBC Rapshayes Farm Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AB – Conversion of barn to holiday accommodation

Members had no objection to the two applications above.

The Chair returned to the meeting.

c)  20/0780/FUL – 7 Ferndale Close Honiton EX14 2YN – Construction of side extension

d)  20/0584/FUL – Coign Cottage Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AB – Remodelling of existing dwelling and garage including raising of ridge heights, single and two storey enlargements, balcony, dormer windows, provision of cladding, and alterations to existing openings

Members had no objection regarding c).  In terms of d), councillors did not object in principle.  However they agreed that the proposals would change the appearance of the dwelling dramatically, and questioned whether the design was appropriate for the setting within the AONB.

9/20    To consider progress on the modernisation of the play area, including fundraising and regular safety inspections

Members discussed whether it was appropriate at this stage to re-open the play area, following requests by residents.  However all agreed with the Chair’s view that the parish council should follow government advice on play areas (which remain closed), rather than parks.  Cllr Walker said she would ask Len Abbott if he had been able to take a look at the items that needed attention in the RoSPA inspector’s report.

10/20 To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106

Members discussed Cllr Orchard’s draft proposal inviting residents to suggest new outdoor sports equipment which can be purchased using S106 funding.  Cllr Bond said it was important to follow EDDC guidelines on spending the money, and advised that any suggestions considered inappropriate or too expensive would be put to one side.  The clerk agreed to be the point of contact to receive replies by the end of June 2020, and Cllr Orchard said he would circulate the finalised copy.

Cllr Valentine explained that he had been speaking to staff at Baker Estates about the possibility of trying to enhance their leisure provision within the Hayne Farm estate.  He reported that there is going to be a play area once the 150th dwelling is completed, but there may also be opportunities for a bench close to the footpath or something similar.  He offered to identify some possible locations.  Members agreed to allow Cllr Valentine to continue the dialogue with Baker Estates, and to ask if it was possible to fix the noticeboard. 

11/20      To consider capital works to Gittisham Village Hall

Members agreed to support the village hall committee’s decision to proceed with a partial repair and replacement of the existing front windows (as new windows are not available during lockdown), as well as painting the internal wood panelling to the same specification as the internal doors.  The overall cost of the project will be the same. 

12/20     To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain drains and ditches in the parish

Cllr Wilkins reported that weeds were beginning to appear on the kerbsides in the Vale.  Members agreed to carry out an annual review of the lengthsman’s hourly rate at the next meeting.

13/20 To consider climate change measures within the parish

There was no update on this.

14/20  To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said the administration side of things was moving forward, with a letter going out to architects to invite expressions of interest. 

15/20  To consider the parish emergency plan

Cllr Valentine said this would be discussed at the next meeting.

16/20     To resolve to adopt supplementary Standing Orders to meet the statutory requirements for the holding of remote meetings, and this lasts until May 7th, 2021 or the repeal of legislation whichever is the earlier

Members resolved to adopt the supplementary Standing Orders.

17/20     To approve the May payments and to note the current bank balance

It was resolved to approve the following payments:

1033       F J Clampin                          £289.67 Clerk’s salary (£218.79), overtime (£50.49 and expenses £20.39)

1034       Michael Poll                          £60         Play area grass cutting, (inv ref. 10001)

1035       Len Abbott                            £94.50   7 hours lengthsman work, April 2020

1036       Community First                 £495.17                 Annual insurance policy 2020-21

1037       Paul Martin                           £1,000 Village hall refurbishment (wk5)

1038       Adam Martin                       £1,000 Village hall refurbishment (wk5)

1039       Paul Martin                           £4,100 Balancing payment for village hall work

[NB this payment may be accounted for in two cheques, depending on progress of work, but the total remains the same.]

DD          NEST                                     £17.50   Clerk’s pension

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £11,593.19 (which includes the £7,000 in the business reserve account).  The clerk said a CIL payment of £6,718.38 had been made to the parish council, which includes the deferred payment from October 2019 and the April 2020 payment.  She added that the annual pay scales for clerks (2020-21) had not yet been published, so any change in the rate would be backdated to 1st April 2020.  She explained that she had done 4.5 hours overtime at the end of March 2020 to draft emergency operating guidelines during the lockdown.  This was approved by members.

18/20     To consider any late entry correspondence

Cllr Wilkins said The Codfather fish & chip van would potentially be putting in its annual trading licence around this time.  The clerk agreed to get in touch with Cllr Twiss about this, and to remind EDDC that Gittisham needs to be involved in the consultation.

19/20     Matters to be reported to DCC / EDDC

As above. 

20/20     Matters for the forward agenda

It was agreed to include coronavirus, climate change, village hall capital works, play area, lengthsman work, limited residential development, emergency plan, review of clerk’s and lengthsman’s salaries, annual governance statement and annual accounts on the next agenda. 

21/20     Clerk’s Report

None.

22/20     Date of next two meetings  

Wednesday 3rd June and Wednesday 1st July at 7.30pm via Skype.  Should restrictions on public movement be lifted, these meetings will revert to being held in the parish room.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2020 hrs.

Chairman…………………………………….

3rd June 2020