2022/23

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

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

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

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

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

78/22        To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

79/22        To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 1st September 2022

The minutes of the meeting held on 1st September 2022 were confirmed and signed by the Chair. 

80/22        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

July 2022: 2 x violence & sexual offences, Laburnum Close & Landscores Lane

81/22        To receive declarations of interest

Cllrs Twist and Walker declared an interest in agenda item 9c), as they are members of Gittisham PCC (minute ref. 85/22 c).

82/22        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

Cllr Valentine said that he and the Chair would be attending a webinar on EDDC’s emerging Local Plan on 20^th October at 7pm. 

83/22        Reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Covid / ‘flu

In his absence, Cllr Twiss sent the following report: “As we move towards late autumn and winter, everyone who is eligible for a free ‘flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster is being urged to take up the offer as soon as they are invited to do so.  It’s because cases of coronavirus are already beginning to rise across the UK, and in Devon, and natural immunity against flu is relatively low, because despite it being present last winter, coronavirus restrictions helped protect people from catching it.  People who are older or who have other health conditions that make them vulnerable, are at greatest risk this winter. And study results from early in the pandemic show that people who catch both ‘flu and COVID-19 at the same time are around twice as likely to die, compared to those who only have COVID-19.

At the moment, the flu vaccine is being given free on the NHS to adults who:

• are 65 years old and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2023)
• have certain health conditions, such as asthma and diabetes
• are pregnant
• are in long-stay residential care
• receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• are frontline health or social care workers

From mid-October, people aged 50 years old or over (including those who will be 50 years old by 31 March 2023) can also have a free NHS ‘flu vaccine.  All primary school and some secondary school children are eligible for the ‘flu nasal spray this year, which is usually given at school.  GP surgeries are also inviting children aged two and three years old (age on 31 August) for their nasal spray vaccination at their practices.

As the weather cools down, COVID is making an unwelcome return (if it ever went away!) Over the past three weeks those patients in our Devon hospitals i.e. Derriford, RD&E, Torbay, and North Devon) diagnosed with COVID, numbers have moved up steadily from 51 to 138 to 185 so we are in a changeable position.  Thankfully we have not seen a corresponding rise of patients in intensive care, currently, just 2 on mechanical ventilation.  The media are now talking about a ‘Twindemic’ with ‘flu joining up, so do get a ‘flu jab and COVID jab depending upon your circumstances.

At the moment, those being prioritised for a seasonal booster dose (autumn booster) of the COVID-19 vaccine include people who are:

• aged 65 years old or over
• pregnant
• aged 5 years old and over and at high risk due to a health condition or weakened immune system
• aged 5 years old and over and live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• aged 16 years old and over and a carer, either paid or unpaid
• living or working in a care home for older people
• a frontline health and social care worker

Other people, including those aged 50 to 64 years old who are not at higher risk, will be able to get the booster jab later in the autumn 2022.

Police update

Devon & Cornwall Police has a new Chief Constable.  The Police & Crime Panel endorsed the appointment of DCC Will Kerr OBE.  He is currently Deputy Chief Constable for Police Scotland.  A highly experienced officer, where before his current appointment he held senior appointments in the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the National Crime Agency.

Hate Crime: 2,564 hate crimes were recorded in the 12 months to June 2022.  This is worryingly a 46% increase (+800) when compared to the statistical ‘baseline’ year, the 12 months to June 2019.  Despite the observed increase, it is difficult to make objective inferences about performance based on increases or decreases in hate crime; victims may be more confident to report to the police.  Conversely, the trend could also be interpreted as negative because it could be reflective of a ‘real’ increase in victimisation.  44% of all hate crimes were public order-related and these were predominantly racially or religiously aggravated.

101 call waiting times: 101 or P1 (Priority 1) non-emergency calls are those calls that are identified by the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system as high priority.  These include calls relating to domestic abuse, sexual offences, hate crime, missing persons, and road safety.  In the year to July 2022, the average wait time on the P1 line was 17 minutes – this is an increase of 11 minutes 57 seconds when compared with the ‘baseline’ year the 12 months to July 2020.  Unsurprisingly, fewer calls have been received in the latest period, fewer answered and a higher abandonment rate is evident.  The Police and Crime Commissioner is addressing this as a matter of urgency and I will continue to lobby her for the re-opening of the front desk at Honiton Police Station for face to face reporting.

Broadband

I hope to meet Matt Galley of Jurassic Fibre and Justin Lascelles of Combe Estate in the next couple of weeks to discuss the issue of wayleaves that will enable the rollout of ultrafast broadband to Gittisham more quickly by way of a ‘soft dig’, rather than a ‘hard dig’ via the Highways network.  I would add that talking to Matt very recently, Jurassic are committed to delivery of their service to Gittisham.”

Cllr Bruce said progress working with EDDC officers remains at a glacial pace for the most part, as can be seen by the ongoing issue of the EDDC garages. This exasperating issue drags on with several residents reporting to him that they have either been dealt with rudely or told incorrect information or both. After some vague email traffic back in 2021, he said he emailed the council for an update and was told that the final step to get the garages back in use required the Property and Asset team to inspect them. The request went in on March 18^th, and he heard today that there would be a meeting next week.  Frustrating barely covers this farce, he said.  Regarding the bridge at Church Mead, Cllr Bruce reported there would be a meeting onsite of the property & asset team to assess the repairs needed.

Cllr Bruce explained that he had been asked to look at recent developments at the Heathpark Estate and received the following reply. “The planning permission for ‘unit B’ is 20/2751/FUL. The delegated report for this application sets out what I think is a useful section relating to the Planning history of the development of the site, which, going back to the 2009 permission referred to therein, includes the units nearer to the Cameron Fuller Ltd. premises that have now been completed for a couple of years.  There have, since the 2009 permission, been a number of approved applications for variations to the original approved layout, of which 20/2751/FUL is one.  As originally approved in 2009, ‘unit B’ was a smaller unit laid out alongside another unit (‘unit C’) within this part of the site. Planning permission 20/2751/FUL approved their substitution for a single larger unit.”

The Strategic Plan still rumbles on with a decision on what form the public consultation will take to be made in November. As those of you that have taken the time to watch on YouTube will have seen, the issue of sewerage capacity has been raised as a serious concern going forward, plus the fact that many of the sites discussed fall foul of the council’s own sustainability policy. It will therefore be interesting to see what finally emerges in November.

Around the district.

Cllr Bruce said he was pleased to attend a brief opportunity to look in on the culvert works on the main rail line at Feniton recently. As a fundamental part of the flood alleviation works for this village, it was a pleasant surprise to see the works were on time and in budget. There was a small oversight by the contractor with regard to the late ordering of inspection chambers either side of the line, but this did not result in any delay to the reopening of the line, and the costs are to be borne by the contractor. This now means that all the remaining building works can proceed without delay and hopefully put an end to the misery of flooding events in this village.

The avian bird flu epidemic is still exacting a terrible toll on our wild bird population, especially sea birds. He had never experienced seeing the number of carcasses washing up on our beaches, which we know is just the tip of the iceberg. What the impact going forward to the fish stocks of this catastrophe are will only become clear over time. DEFRA are apparently doing their best with the limited resources available and one can only hope that the remaining bird population can ride this out in time.

Cllr Bruce left the meeting.

84/22     To consider the following planning applications:

a) 22/2023/TCA Olive Tree Cottage Gittisham EX14 3AF T1, Lime : To crown lift over adjacent buildings to give a 3 metre clearance from property; to reduce weight and increase light levels via a crown thin removing 20% of the foliar area, target pruning cuts of up to 75mm; T2, Elm : Dismantle to ground level; the tree is in decline with poor vitality, possibly suffering from DED; it is also suppressed by the adjacent Lime.

Members resolved to have no objection to this application.

85/22     To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:

• To note the latest planning decision notices

Appeal Ref: APP/U1105/W/22/3298314 The Cider Barn, Goldcombe Farmhouse, Gittisham, EX14 3AB

The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for change of use from holiday let to dwelling. 

• To receive an update on Highways

3–28 October Hayne Lane closed south of the farm shop for construction of new retaining wall; a diversion will be in place via Devonshire Road, Sidmouth Road and Beech Walk.  (Revised dates.) 

21 November Jurassic Fibre will be carrying out telecom works for two days on Hayne Lane.  Closure north of old A30 junction to Weston 1900–0700 nightly.

28 Nov–2 Dec Chestnut Way off Old Elm Road will be resurfaced, so displaced parking likely on Old Elm Rd near the roundabout.

Cllr Orchard reported that work to clear the balancing pond along Old Elm Road had been completed.

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

Cllr Orchard said that Honiton Town Council had been in touch again to enquire as to when they could expect S106 funds that GPC was unable to spend to be forthcoming. The Chair said she would speak to a contact who could advise on next steps and she urged all members to reflect further on the items that would meet the sport / play criteria in the parish. 

Regarding CIL, the clerk said that £5,856.69 CIL funds remained in the parish council’s bank account.  Members discussed using it to upgrade the bus shelters, and whether goal posts, balls and a shed to store such items would meet the criteria.  The swing replacements had been funded from CIL.  The Chair said the flower show committee had offered the parish council £400 that had accumulated over time to pay towards a new noticeboard on the village bus shelter.  Members agreed that it was better to spend the existing high reserves than accept the donation, although they welcomed the offer.  Cllrs Walker and Twist declared an interest, when the Chair suggested that the £400 could perhaps be directed to the church. 

ACTION: Cllr Orchard to check the quotes received so far for work in the play area.  The Chair to obtain three quotes for smartening up the bus shelters and installing a new noticeboard.

• To receive an update on public transport

Cllr Orchard said that track speed restrictions on a stretch of the journey from Waterloo have resulted in a service every 2 hours to Exeter. Problems discovered during the closure last month mean that another extended weekday closure is likely this autumn.

Cllr Valentine expressed his frustration at Stagecoach’s policy not to consider 16-18 year olds in full-time education who live along a Stagecoach bus route as students.  He said those children are not allowed to take the transport provided by DCC to Kings School, and are obliged to pay the adult fare between the village and the school.  However, students attending Exeter College qualify for a student discount.  He said he would continue to make the case in collaboration with Cllr Twiss.

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

Cllr Rowe said the joint event between EDDC and GPC on 13^th September had laid out details of a preliminary plan to rewild part of the land along Old Elm Road.  Members discussed the concerns expressed by a resident, who felt that allowing trees and plants to grow could potentially attract undesirable activities, including those of a sexual nature.  There was also concern over the future maintenance of the land.  Councillors agreed to await the outcome of the public consultation before taking any further action.  Cllr Rowe said it would be likely that GPC could be called on to contribute towards the installation of grasscrete from where the pavement finishes behind Laburnum Close.

Cllr Rowe said he was waiting for more information about EV charging points.  He said he had also been in touch with Co-Bike, the on-demand electric bike scheme which has cycles for hire at Honiton Station.  He would enquire as to whether they would be interested in a charging point in the village.  Cllr Rowe said he would get in touch with Combe Estate to ask if they would support the idea of solar panels on the village hall.

ACTION: Cllr Rowe to contact Co-Bikes and Combe Estate.

• To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security

Cllr Twist said police in Devon have issued a warning after an elderly man fell victim to a phone scam and lost more than £10k.  Also, there are fake texts circulating claiming to be from the Government inviting people to apply for the £400 energy bill support.  This support will be given automatically with no need to apply.  People are being urged to use Multi Factor Authentication as much as they can, but especially on important websites like banks, and anywhere else they are offered.

• To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine reported that there had been no progress.

• To consider making an application for a permissive path, Goldcombe-Hayne Lane

Members approved the letter to Combe Estate drafted by Cllr Fowles.

ACTION: Clerk to send letter.

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

Cllr Walker reported that she and Len Abbott had been on site to discuss the items identified in the play area inspection report, particularly those referring to rotten wood, and concluded they did not need replacing at this time.  Cllr Valentine said he would pass on details of a play area inspector to the clerk.  Cllr Twist reported that the Hayne Farm play area was not yet finished.

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

ACTION: Cllr Orchard to ask the lengthsman to trim the brambles by the large gate on Old Elm Road.  

86/22     To receive a report from the Chair

The Chair said she had completed a grant application to ask for support for the community kitchen, and she could also apply to Cllr Twiss’s locality budget.

87/22     To consider decorating and / or refurbishing the parish council’s bus shelters

Discussed under minute ref. 85/22 c.

88/22     To approve the October payments and to note the current bank balance

Members resolved to approve the following payments:

1195      F Clampin            £228.74 Clerk’s salary

1196      Michael Poll        £65        Grass cutting, inv. ref. 10161

1197      Len Abbott          £29   Lengthsman work, 2hrs September 2022 @£14.50 / hr          

DD         NEST                   £22.86   Clerk’s pension  

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £24,196.43 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account). 

89/22     To update the parish council’s banking policy and the existing bank mandate

The clerk said progress was being made on the bank mandate.

90/22     To review the items highlighted in the annual internal audit report, 2021-22

The clerk said she had taken advice from Clare Bryden from Websites Ahoy, and members agreed that accessibility should take precedence over using the auditor’s templates that do not meet accessibility guidelines.  Members resolved to adopt Clare Bryden’s suggestion of gittisham.org.uk email addresses in line with the website domain name. 

91/22     Clerk’s Report

Members agreed with EDDC’s suggestion to swap the dog waste bin by the gate at the bottom of Old Elm Road for a litter bin, which can be emptied 3x per week.  The charge for this collection is £300 (21/22 figure), plus bin cost and installation.  The clerk said Graham Hutton from Baker Estates had said he would support a new post box for Hayne Farm, but would leave it to the parish council to make enquiries.

ACTION: Cllr Orchard to write a letter to Royal Mail, suggesting the box south of Weston (in Gittisham parish) is re-sited to Hayne Farm.  Clerk to reply to EDDC to request they install the replacement litter bin on the turning circle, on the edge of the grass area by the rocks.  

92/22     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Funding organisations with direct benefit to parishioners; bank mandate; decorating / refurbishing bus shelters.

93/22     To consider any late entry correspondence

None.

94/22     Date of next two meetings  

15th November and 1st December 2022. 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2130 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

15th November 2022

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

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

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

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

Apologies for absence: Cllr Jake Bonetta (EDDC), PCSO Darren England

63/22        To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

64/22        To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 5th July & 16th August 2022

The minutes of the meeting held on 5th July 2022 and the extraordinary meeting held on 16th August 2022 were confirmed and signed by the Chair. 

65/22        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

May 2022: 1 x anti-social behaviour, Laburnum Close

2 x violence & sexual offences, Cypress Close

1 x anti-social behaviour, Parsonage Lane

1 x violence & sexual offences, Parsonage Lane

June 2022: no crimes

66/22        To receive declarations of interest

None.

67/22        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

Cllr Valentine expressed his frustration over the process of drafting EDDC’s Local Plan; Cllr Bruce said he had raised this with the committee chair at EDDC.  Cllr Valentine added that he is collating members’ comments about the Hayne Lane masterplan. 

Cllr Rowe, Walker and Fowles volunteered to represent the parish council at any forthcoming village fete committee.

Cllr Orchard noted that the solar lights in the bus shelters had been installed and were now working.  The Chair thanked Cllr Rowe for this work.

68/22        Reports from County Council and District Council representatives

DCC finances update

Cllr Twiss said Devon County Council is facing a very challenging financial situation, forecast to overspend about £30 million and rising costs and inflation could add a further £15 million. We are not alone in this; many other councils are facing a similar situation.  Increasing needs and demand for services will continue into next year (2023/24) and beyond, so we need to focus on both short-term opportunities to generate savings and longer-term transformation to ensure we create a sustainable future and deliver our strategic vision and priorities.

DCC is committed to working collectively across the whole council, said Cllr Twiss. As part of this response, a Financial Sustainability Programme has been developed and brought together a group of leaders to take forward this work over the summer and in to September.  Over the last three weeks about £26 million of one-off and ongoing savings have been identified and we are continuing to look at other opportunities including identifying areas for creating efficiency, understanding and responding to demand differently, reducing our property estate and the cost of buildings, reducing expenditure on contracts, and increasing income generation. Part of this is temporarily to suspend members’ Locality Budgets, until the complete picture is known (other than those where applications have already been submitted) at the end of September.  Many opportunities are also being identified to change the way DCC does things and work together to ensure better value and outcomes for people in the longer term.

The team doing this work has come together at short notice, and committed time and resources to respond to this challenge. This has been hugely valuable, said Cllr Twiss, not just in terms of identifying additional savings but also developing relationships and understanding of the whole council’s business, which will stand us in excellent stead for identifying further transformation opportunities, where many new ways of working were put in to practice at short notice during the darkest days of the pandemic.

New anonymous digital mental health support service launched across Devon

A new free and confidential digital mental health and wellbeing service for adults is now available across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.  NHS Devon, working in partnership with Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Councils, has commissioned Qwell to ensure all adults in Devon have access to a choice of support to manage their own emotional health and wellbeing. It offers a safe online space for adults to access therapeutic activities and content including a peer support community. This includes self-help articles, forums, and discussion boards that are moderated by qualified practitioners. Users can also keep an online journal and monitor their wellbeing through an interactive goal tracker.  There’s also a one-on-one live text chat and messaging counselling service with a team of qualified practitioners. Appointments can be booked in advance or accessed through a drop-in text-based chat which runs from midday to 10pm on weekdays, and from 6pm to 10pm at the weekend.  Anyone over the age of 18 years old living in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay can access support from Qwell at https://www.qwell.io/ without a referral from a health professional and there is no criteria to qualify for support.

Bird ‘flu

Bird flu, or avian influenza to give it its correct name, is primarily a disease of birds and we are aware of some cases currently in Devon, Cllr Twiss reported.  The risk to public health is very low as it is not an airborne disease. However, it is really important that you do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you see while out and about and, if you have a dog, make sure they stay clear too.  If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.  Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds, you must report it by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.  From 31^st August Devon, Cornwall and parts of Somerset have now been declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) by the UK’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, where it is hoped that this will mitigate further outbreaks of the disease.  Bird keepers will have to follow strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks, regardless of size, in Devon and other southwest counties. This includes ‘backyard owners’ with small numbers of poultry such as chickens, ducks and geese who must follow steps to prevent bird flu from spreading further.

The AIPZ means bird keepers across the south-west region of England must:

• Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
• reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
• thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
• keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
• minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
• prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas

Full guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#public  

Driving down carbon emissions on Devon’s highways

DCC’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030 is ahead of schedule, as we announce our next phase in cutting carbon from Devon’s roads maintenance, said Cllr Twiss.  Phase one, announced last year, saw us become one of the first councils in the country to develop a carbon calculator, a clever way of identifying the carbon emissions produced in every step of highway maintenance.  From the materials used, the labour involved, the distance and the type of transport used to get the materials and engineers to site, the longevity of the materials used and how long the repairs will last – that’s some of the data, crunched by the carbon calculator that identifies the carbon emissions for that specific highway project.

Knowing all this in advance and planning it in at the early design stage of a job – building a new road or structure, say, or repairs to an existing road – puts us in the best position to cut the anticipated amount of carbon generated by the project.  It’s already led to innovative changes in the way DCC and its contractors carry out highway repairs in Devon, using different materials and techniques, and recycling and re-using material as close to site as possible, for example, with significant reductions in carbon emissions.  So, if phase one is about eliminating carbon emissions at the design stage, phase two, which is being introduced in the next few weeks, is about tracking the actual carbon emitted at construction or repair stage.  Contractors have worked with us on designing this next phase, which will ask them to share their live data on completed projects.

Example of how this works with a stretch of road that requires re-surfacing: we want contractors to report back on the quantity of work they have carried out; the materials they’ve used, e.g. asphalt type – the amount of that material, how it got to site, what kind of fuel was used to get it to site, how far it’s travelled, the equipment needed on site, the fuel it uses and where it’s come from; the waste created and what happens to that waste etc. The detail helps to build a carbon profile that tells us and the contractor what the carbon emissions for that project have been.  Experts at the University of Exeter are working with DCC, and they’ve developed an algorithm to crunch the data and create a dashboard to visualise it in a consistent way for all highways projects.

Cllr Orchard asked about the Old Elm Road balancing pond.  Cllr Twiss reassured members that work to clear the pond has been booked with DCC contractors, but he could not confirm the start date.

Cllr Rowe asked about the filling in of yellow lines along Devonshire Road.

ACTION: Cllr Twiss to check situation with Cllr Hughes, the portfolio holder.

Cllr Bruce said he hoped that the engineers have finished the repair works on the Church Mead bridge, and that the council have been able to clarify where responsibilities lie with regard to this and future repairs. Cllr Walker thanked him for this. He reported he had sent in supporting comments for the Stansells’ planning appeal hearing which has been delayed.  Cllr Bruce said he wasn’t sure how the parish felt about the Kings Arms Farm application; he has provisionally voiced his support for it, but said he would obviously take on board any comments from members.

Around the district.

Cllr Bruce reported that EDDC is proposing changes to bylaws covering dogs off leads and a rewording of dog exclusion zones on our beaches.  He has raised grave concerns regarding the removal of dogs on leads in our lanes, roads and certain open spaces. The council feels that any issues can be covered by enforcement action under other laws and the police. Cllr Bruce said he had highlighted the increase in dog attacks on livestock and increased evidence of dog fouling on some sections of our popular beaches.  He felt this is a retrograde step and seems to be a cost cutting exercise rather than a sensible re-alignment of current enforcement.  He encouraged people across the parish to feed in any comments concerning the above if they feel they need to.

Sadly, EDDC council meetings remain on Zoom, said Cllr Bruce, making it possibly the only district council to retain this option. The knock-on effect of inhibited officer access remains a real issue in the discharging of his council duties. He has continued to raise this with the EDDC Chair to get this looked at again, but to no avail so far.

Cllr Bruce said he was pleased to report that EDDC are going to pioneer a new method of sea defence in the coming months. Instead of using steel to reinforce concrete defences, the engineers will be using basalt instead, thereby offering a far more sustainable form of defence work for our sections of coast prone to erosion that need defending.

And finally…… for those who like their fish, Gilthead Bream have been around for some time from our fishmongers, and are mostly farmed fish from the Mediterranean. However, this fish has recently been extending its northern range into many of our estuaries and coastal waters, often staying longer with each passing year. This is perhaps one of the tastiest fish of the bream family and well worth trying, especially if caught locally. Maybe a small silver lining to climate change?

Cllrs Twiss and Bruce left the meeting.

69/22     To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:

• To note the latest planning decision notices

None. 

• To receive an update on Highways

26 September – 21 October Hayne Lane closed for construction of new retaining wall; a diversion will be in place via Devonshire Road, Sidmouth Road and Beech Walk.  (Revised dates.)

21 November Jurassic Fibre will be carrying out telecom works for two days on Hayne Lane.  Closure north of old A30 junction to Weston 1900–0700 nightly.

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

None.  The Chair said it was essential to review the play area items in the coming months to see if the proposals are fit for purpose.

• To receive an update on public transport

19– 23 September railway line closure between Axminster and Pinhoe; a bus replacement service will be in operation between Axminster and Exeter St David’s.  Cllr Orchard added that there are proposals to introduce a nationwide capped bus fare.

• To consider climate change measures within the parish

Cllr Rowe said EDDC would be holding a public event to demonstrate details of a preliminary plan to rewild part of the land along Old Elm Road, from 2-4pm on 13^th September. 

ACTION: Cllr Twist to follow up her enquiries about EV charging points.

• To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security

Cllr Twist said scammers are currently using the hike in energy prices as a way to defraud people, sending out letters asking people to call a Freephone number for help. 

• To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine reported that there had been no progress.

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

Cllr Walker reported that the village play area was looking tidy, following her inspection.  Members welcomed the repairs to the fence. 

ACTION: Cllr Walker to empty play area bin and speak to Len Abbott about addressing the items in the play area inspection report.  Clerk to follow up enquiry about moving a bin to Hayne Farm with EDDC, and to contact Baker Estates about requesting a post box.

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

Cllr Walker said the lengthsman was prepared for any potential damage following the storms forecast.  Cllr Valentine reported that he had spoken to Len Abbott regarding the Dark Lane resurfacing, which has changed the profile of the lane. 

ACTION: Cllr Rowe to investigate funding with highway maintenance community enhancement fund. 

70/22     To receive a report from the Chair

The Chair said she would be completing a grant application to ask for support for the community kitchen, which has got off to a flying start.  Cllr Fowles agreed to take on responsibility for the parish council’s proposal to request a permissive path between Goldcombe and Hayne Farm.

ACTION: Clerk to provide figures for community kitchen application.

71/22     To approve the September payments and to note the current bank balance

Members resolved to approve the following payments:

1189      F Clampin            £228.74 Clerk’s salary

1190      Michael Poll        £65        Grass cutting, inv. ref. 10161

1191      Len Abbott          £224.75 Lengthsman work, 15½ hrs July 2022 @£14.50 / hr        

1192      Len Abbott          £11.54   Lengthsman expenses July, petrol    

1193      Len Abbott          £43.50   Lengthsman work, 3hrs August 2022 @£14.50 / hr          

1194      Len Abbott          £9.56     Lengthsman expenses, petrol            

DD         NEST                   £22.86   Clerk’s pension  

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £24,542.03 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account).  The clerk said the second half of the annual precept had been received.

72/22     To update the parish council’s banking policy and the existing bank mandate

The clerk said the process to change the banking mandate online had run aground due to technical problems, and it would be necessary to print out the mandate and fill it in by hand.  Nat West was unable to print the mandate.

ACTION: Clerk to ask Cllr Twist or Orchard to print.

73/22     To review the items highlighted in the annual internal audit report, 2021-22

Members discussed the items, and the clerk agreed to carry out the following actions:

AGAR – clerk to examine auditor’s official template for accessibility, and also for displaying year end totals.

Bespoke council email addresses – clerk to investigate how to secure a .gov email address / ask Clare Bryden.  

No official reserved funds listing – members to review funding allocations over the next few months

Insurance cover for the lengthsman is unusual.  No action to take, but check Michael Poll’s insurance. 

Asset register total – clerk to complete. 

74/22     Clerk’s Report

ACTION: Clerk to investigate whether any work is likely to be carried out on the barrier by Riverside Cottages.

75/22     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Internal audit report 2021-22; decorating bus shelters

76/22     To consider any late entry correspondence

The clerk said she would enquire as to whether the parish council could return to the parish room for meetings.

77/22     Date of next two meetings  

6th October and 3rd November 2022. 

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

Chair…………………………………….

6th October 2022

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

Village ward: Cllr D Valentine, Cllr A Rowe

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

In attendance: Fiona Clampin (clerk)

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

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) 22/1718/FUL Westgate Gittisham EX14 3AU – Erection of solar panels on existing pool house/garage roof and erection of summer house

b) 22/1622/FUL Kings Arms Farm Nags Head Road Gittisham EX14 3AP – Construction of a two storey 18-unit residential home for vulnerable people

c) 22/1600/FUL Land Adjacent To Hamlet House Nags Head Road Gittisham – Extension of an existing commercial building on the land north of Hamlet House

d) 22/1197/FUL Curlditch House Gittisham EX14 3AE Proposed siting of 5 no. Shepherd’s Huts in the field southeast of Curlditch House (change to heritage statement)

Members resolved to have no objection to a), b) and c). 

Regarding d), members agreed that in spite of the appearance of a heritage statement as requested by EDDC’s conservation officer, there was no change to the parish council’s position on this application (cf. minute ref. 52/22).

4.     To approve the following payments:

Members resolved to approve the following payments:

1187       Michael Poll          £65         Grass cutting, inv. ref. 10173

1188       Michael Poll          £560         Repairs to play area fence as approved, inv. ref. 10174

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 1145 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

1st September 2022

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD ON 5TH JULY 2022

in Gittisham Village Hall

Present:

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

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

In attendance: Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), Graham Hutton (Baker Estates), Fiona Clampin (clerk)

Apologies for absence: Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), PCSO Darren England

45/22        To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

46/22        To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 9th June 2022

The minutes of the meeting held on 9th June 2022 were confirmed and signed by the Chair. 

47/22        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

April 2022 – 1 x shoplifting, Devonshire Road.

48/22        To receive declarations of interest

None.

49/22        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

Cllr Valentine said EDDC’s Local Plan is going through the assessment stage.  The strategic planning committee will present its proposals for the main settlements including Honiton at a meeting on 9^th August.  Cllr Valentine said that with no parish council meeting in August, he would refer to the Chair and Vice Chair if any GPC representation at this meeting is necessary.

50/22        Reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Covid update

Cllr Twiss said the increase in Covid cases is being attributed to the new faster-spreading BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of Omicron, which make up more than half of new infections in England, and more people mixing socially.  While the new sub-variants are more transmissible, it is not having the same health impact. So while we are seeing a slight increase in the number of people in hospital with COVID-19, we are fortunately not seeing an increase in those patients in High Dependency Units.

National advice has not changed. If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well, try to stay at home and avoid contact with others.  Face coverings are no longer mandatory in health settings, such as GP surgeries or hospitals.  But there are situations where people should consider wearing them e.g. when visiting the GP or hospital, where you are more likely to be in contact with vulnerable people.

The government’s spring booster vaccinations are still available for the moment, and there will be vaccination clinics available over the summer. An autumn booster for vulnerable groups will also become available.  Testing is no longer expected for most people, although it is required for people who are clinically vulnerable in order to access other treatments. However, if people still have any test kits, they could use them ahead of situations where they know they’ll be in close contact with vulnerable people.

Simple hand hygiene is also still important, not just to protect from coronavirus, but also for fighting other infectious illnesses. It’s a simple precaution, but still highly effective.

Shop Local

The results of a Devon-wide consumer survey reveals that 88 per cent of local people try to buy Devon-sourced goods whenever possible, which presents a huge opportunity for local businesses.  While still relatively early days, the ‘Made in Devon’ scheme, see https://www.madeindevon.org.uk/ is beginning to get up a head of steam, where businesses can advertise that they are a trustworthy business supplying Devon-sourced products whenever possible, and that those claims have been vetted by trading standards. Membership is also available to Devon-based companies in other sectors including retail, arts, and other services.

The idea of ‘Made in Devon’ is to encourage consumers to keep buying quality local products and services, to bring long-term, sustainable prosperity to the region and to help in the region’s economic recovery.  This is being done by encouraging sales and consumption of the incredible range of quality products and services which we have in Devon, supporting local businesses, and establishing Devon as a source of quality local products and services.  Supporting local keeps money in the community, as local businesses have lower overheads such as transportation, which, in turn is better for the environment.  It could be the farm shop down the road, the local producer of skincare and bath products, who lives next door etc; buying local helps them and their businesses survive, but it also helps avoid the supply issues that have been experienced by many national retailers.  Maintaining local supply lines between producers, restaurants, schools, and hospitals for instance, it creates jobs and if businesses can demonstrate that its goods are local it will give confidence to the consumer. 

Jobs in Devon

There remains a shortage of people to work in all sectors in Devon, and the Devon Jobs website https://www.devonjobs.gov.uk/ shows a wide range of opportunities in full-time and part-time employment. Much of the shortfall in people available to work is due to people taking planned or early retirement.

Many posts in the health and social care sectors remain unfilled, in some part due to the lack of affordable housing, and DCC is working with district councils to try to address this problem.

Integrated Care System

The very recent launch of the ‘One Devon’ integrated care system, see https://www.icsdevon.co.uk/ is sure to have passed by many people, but is the biggest shake up of health and care systems in my lifetime.  The Integrated Care System for Devon (ICSD) is a partnership of health and social care organisations working together with local communities across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay to improve people’s health, wellbeing and care.  Put simply, it is a more joined-up approach to improving how people are cared for from G.P. to acute hospital services, to help at home.

In his absence, Cllr Bruce sent the following report: “I have been asked to send a statement to the planning inspector ahead of his/her deliberations on the appeal submitted by Peter & Ann Stansell.  I’m hoping to make the case and demonstrate that local planning restrictions can often be out of step with the reality of community needs, given the rapid change of pace currently impacting our lives.

The condition of the Church Mead bridge was brought to my attention by Maggie Walker.  l was able to get a district surveyor out rapidly to assess the issue with result that a temporary metal plate is to be installed to maintain access until a more permanent repair can be affected. The issue of responsibility for repair is also being looked into, so that everyone knows where they stand for this, and any future repairs when they are needed. I believe that EDDC has been slow to respond to the original complaint over the deteriorating condition of the bridge, but that future reporting of problems will be actioned a lot quicker.

Around the district.

Don’t forget to claim your council tax energy rebate. So far £6.2 million has been paid out in East Devon by the government to help offset the spiralling energy costs.

It is with sadness l have to report that a spate of vandalism and graffiti has hit a number of our coastal towns. Sidmouth has seen damage to public toilets, and Exmouth has seen a skate park defaced plus excessive litter on its beaches. It is to be hoped these are isolated events but, as is always the case, there is a financial cost to be borne by the district and eventually us all.

In an ironic twist of fate, there has been a large increase in sightings of migrating red kites into our district just as we are preparing to export some chicks to Spain. Along with the growing success of the reintroduction of the magnificent white-tailed eagle, the return to our skies of these fabulous raptors is a welcome site. Although, of course, not everyone appreciates these birds as was so fatally demonstrated by the possible deliberate poisoning of two eagles in Dorset last year. However, with proper information and education, the potential impact of these birds on our farming and hunting communities can be managed.”

51/22        To receive an update on Hayne Farm from Baker Estates

Graham Hutton (Baker Estates) ran through the outline application BE has submitted for 37 homes adjacent to the current Hayne Farm development.  The principle of the site appears shaded green in the EDDC Local Plan.  Mr Hutton said there had been consultation with local people, which resulted in some changes to the masterplan including the resiting of a pumping station.  Mr Hutton said the S106 figures are yet to be clarified by officers, so the affordable housing percentage is still to be defined because of this.  If it was an allocated site, it would carry a 25% affordable housing element.  Cllr Twiss asked if BE would be working with Sovereign to deliver the affordable housing, but Mr Hutton said a call-out for providers would happen if and when planning permission is granted.  Mr Hutton said he would check the number of completions, and also for an update on the play park.  The playground equipment has been installed, but it is still enclosed by a fence because of seeding.  Mr Hutton also promised to investigate the situation with pavement parking.

Cllr Twiss left the meeting.

52/22     To consider the following planning applications:

a) 22/1197/FUL Curlditch House Gittisham EX14 3AE Proposed siting of x5 Shepherd’s Huts in the field southeast of Curlditch House

b) 22/1322/MOUT Land at Hayne Farm Hayne Lane Gittisham Demolition of existing farm buildings and redevelopment for up to 37 dwellings, formation of access, associated infrastructure and open space (outline application seeking approval of details of access only)

Members expressed concerns about a), concerns which have been voiced by parishioners and the council has also encouraged them to make their own comments on the planning application.  Curlditch House and the cottages at Riverside are part of the Conservation Area and are particularly noted in their Listing (Listed Buildings) for their character and setting as a group of buildings. Disruption to this should not happen and the addition of mobile holiday accommodation in the grounds of Curlditch would affect the character of this area and their setting. The main house at Curlditch currently enjoys an open view to the grounds in front of it and the proposal would include planting to screen the house from the holiday homes. The Parish Council suggest that the proposed mobile holiday homes could be incorporated within the main area of the Pig Hotel at Combe House, where there are already garden buildings and car parks.

The parish council is always aware of the impact of any development on climate change. These units will be available year-round and yet there appears to be little to minimise the impact on the climate of heating them. There will hopefully be electric car charging points at the car parks, which is good to hear.  The additional five cars visiting the hotel is also significant and the people staying in the huts will want to drive their cars to the hotel to get meals, use the spa facilities, etc.

Sewage capacity has been a problem since the hotel expanded from Combe House Hotel to The Pig. There has been an ongoing sewage leak problem by the village bridge. It is under control now but there is a sensor at the manhole there.  The planning application talks about the area being in use at the moment as access across the area from the staff car park via a footbridge. This is incorrect and implies that there is already regular use of this area, as well as the chickens. There is no staff car park and no footbridge here.  Although the lighting at the huts has been recommended to be restricted because of bats, there will be outside lights and also inside the vans. The village is special in having no street lights and the skies here are jaw-droppingly dark. Any extra lighting is a shame.  If the development were to go ahead, the Council would like to see some apple trees planted in that area, as it used to be an orchard.

Regarding b), councillors did not object to the outline application, but had concerns about highways, the impact on the junction with Furze Close and increased traffic passing underneath the railway bridge.  They were puzzled by EDDC’s proposal to develop Devonshire Road further as employment / industrial land, so close to residential.  Cllr Valentine advised that this is not usually considered to be a favourable mix, and members agreed they would like to see a proper assessment carried out. 

The clerk read out a message from a Hayne Farm resident objecting to the outline application.

Graham Hutton and Cllr Valentine left the meeting.

53/22     To receive a proposal from Gittisham Community Kitchen to support a weekly evening meal for residents

Members discussed the proposal in relation to the annual budget, and resolved to award the project £250 towards the cost of hiring the village hall.

54/22     To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:

• To note the latest planning decision notices

None.  Cllr Orchard agreed to investigate the additional building which had appeared on the corner of Devonshire Road.

• To receive an update on Highways

Cllr Orchard reported that EDDC has promised Cllr Twiss that the grill on Old Elm Road balancing pond will be cleared in October, once animals have finished nesting.  The landslip in Hayne Lane has been temporarily supported with ballast.  Also on Hayne Lane, the hedgerow and trees from the railway bridge to Devonshire Road have been butchered down to about 3ft and the site on that corner has been cleared.  The road past Pomeroy Lodge will be closed 26th –28^th July for resurfacing.

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

None.

• To receive an update on public transport

Cllr Orchard said Stagecoach had announced it would be issuing a revised timetable for the 4a/b bus, to be replaced by the new 44 service at the end of July, but there was no detail yet on how this would affect the parish.

• To consider the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development

Cllr Twist said the defibrillator is now live, all the leaflets have been distributed, with Sovereign Housing and Baker Estates being provided with a stock to be included in new residents’ packs.  Over the coming weeks she will ask if any of the residents wish to attend an awareness session provided by Community Heartbeat.  Baker Estates have offered the use of the sales office for the session(s). 

• To consider climate change measures within the parish

Cllr Rowe distributed details of a preliminary plan by EDDC to rewild part of the land along Old Elm Road, which was welcomed by members.  The district council will apply for funding, which if approved could lead to the creation of a small wetland area and pond, among other things, where residents can help nature recover and enjoy the subsequent benefits.  Cllr Fowles asked about overgrown hedges in the area.

• To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security

Cllr Twist said “authorised push payments” scams have increased by 46% in a year.  Such scams are costing £500 million and affect 200,000 people.  Investment fraud costs £166 million, and romance fraud £3 0million affecting 3000 people.  She said the UK has the unenviable title of fraud capital of the world, and there is not enough resources put into prevention. Companies are not required to inform people if they have had a data breach, so your details may have been taken even if you have done all you can to protect yourself.  It is worth checking on https://haveibeenpwned.com/

• To consider limited residential development in the parish

There was no update on this.

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

Members resolved to appoint Michael Poll to carry out the repair to the fence and two wooden gates, replacing the current structures which have been damaged.  The clerk advised that fluctuating costs might result in changes to the quote of £540, and there could be a delay in sourcing the large gate due to current supply issues.

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

Cllr Walker said she would speak to the lengthsman about the play area safety report. 

55/22     To receive a report from the Chair

The Chair said it was great that the defib project has finally been completed and the council will support whatever is needed to ensure training is available. She thanked Cllr Twist on behalf of the parish.  We must spend some time over the summer thinking about how to spend the playground money and make a start on this as an autumn project. It’s been difficult to progress with Covid and now builder limitations and so it’s time to re-assess our playground needs and be sensible about what we can deliver.

She said she had been contacted by neighbours about the Curlditch planning application which had led her into fascinating reading about EDDCs policy on mobile holiday homes.  She had also been contacted about the proposed-but-denied footpath from Hayne Farm to the village, connecting the two halves of the parish. There is definite support for it within the community and perhaps there is a better route for it which the landowner would support.  The Chair said she felt the parish council should take this forward. 

We will not be meeting in August, so please do have a happy summer but also keep up the good work in all that you are doing for our parish. It is appreciated!

56/22     To approve the July payments and to note the current bank balance

Members resolved to approve the following payments:

1178       F Clampin             £230.10 Clerk’s salary & expenses (stamps)

1179       Michael Poll          £65         Grass cutting, inv. ref. 10161

1180       Michael Poll          £65         Grass cutting, inv. ref. 10163

1181       Honiton Glass          £143.16         Telephone box repair

1182       Gittisham Parish Hall          £20         Hall hire, June & July 2022

1183       F Clampin             £228.74 Clerk’s salary (as no August meeting)

1184       Len Abbott           £159.50         Lengthsman work, 11xhrs May 2022 @£14.50 / hr      

1185       Len Abbott           £9.86   Lengthsman expenses, petrol      

1186       Gittisham Parish Hall    £250       Hall hire, Gittisham Community Kitchen

DD          NEST                     £22.86   Clerk’s pension (5% employer, 5% employee)

DD          NEST                     £22.86   Clerk’s pension (as no August meeting)

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £21,611.38 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account). 

57/22     To update the parish council’s banking policy and the existing bank mandate

The clerk said she would be circulating a hard copy of a new bank mandate for the authorized signatories to sign, removing David Fallows and Russell Hayman, and adding Janet Twist as an authorized signatory.  She explained that Nat West had suggested applying for Bankline for Communities, an online payments system which would not require the parish council to change the number of signatories required to authorize payments.  It uses dual authority on payments.

ACTION: Clerk to apply for Bankline for Communities.

58/22     To review the items highlighted in the annual internal audit report, 2021-22

This was deferred for discussion at September’s meeting.

59/22     Clerk’s Report

Cllr Rowe agreed to pick up the solar lights from the clerk’s house for the bus shelters.

60/22     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Internal audit report 2021-22.

61/22     To consider any late entry correspondence

None.

62/22     Date of next two meetings  

1st September and 6th October 2022. 

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

Chair…………………………………….

1st September 2022