Held in Gittisham Parish Room
Present:
Village ward: Cllr C Hall (Chair), Cllr D Valentine, Cllr A Rowe (Vice Chair)
Vale ward:
In attendance: Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), one member of the public, Fiona Clampin (clerk)
Apologies for absence: Cllr J Twist, Cllr M Walker, Cllr Adam Powell, Cllr P Orchard PCSO Darren England
71/24 To accept and approve apologies
Apologies were received and accepted.
72/24 To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 5th September 2024
The minutes of the meeting held on 5th September 2024 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.
73/24 To receive the Beat Manager’s Report
July 2024:
Nether Close – 1 anti-social behaviour, 1 x criminal damage & arson
Putts Corner – 1 x other theft
Beech Walk – 1 x public order
Nags Head Road – 1 x violence & sexual offences
74/24 To receive declarations of interest
None.
75/24 To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
The Chair said she had suggested to Baker Estates that the company could send her a ‘no dogs’ sign for the Hayne Farm play area, and the parish council can install it.
The Clerk reported that she had received a response from the agent regarding planning application 24/0467/PDR Roebuck Farm Weston EX14 3PB – Prior approval (Class R) for a change of use of agricultural buildings to a flexible commercial use within Classes B8 (Storage and Distribution), and Class E (Commercial, business or service) use. Part of the track used to access the proposed development is in Gittisham parish.
The agent argued that the track has been used historically for farm vehicles and milk lorries that accessed the farm multiple times a day, this being a high volume of traffic accessing and egressing this entrance. He said their clients have at this stage re-established the entrance (that has always been in place) and re-stoned the existing stone drive like-for-like. The use of the access drive does not need to be established at this stage as it is existing, he argued.
However this view was disputed by Cllr Rowe, who said the entrance to the drive has been overgrown for quite some time.
ACTION: Clerk to forward agent’s reply to Cllr Bruce.
76/24 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority
A combined county authority has been given the green light by the new government. A decision by the previous government to establish the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA) was deferred in June because of the July General Election.
Establishing the CCA is legally required to assume responsibility for new funds and powers transferred by Government from Whitehall to Devon and Torbay. The CCA will deliver the devolution deal, with a whole raft of powers, responsibilities, and funding devolved to Devon and Torbay from Whitehall. This will enable important decisions to be made locally on local priorities such as jobs and skills, housing and the environment.
With potential for the range of devolved powers to expand, the current proposals would see the new body having direct control of adult education to create up to 50,000 new training and retraining opportunities by 2030.
The Government has confirmed the transfer of £16 million capital funding to invest in new green jobs, homes, skills, and business growth and accelerate Devon and Torbay’s transition to a net-zero economy, capitalising on the area’s world-leading expertise in green science and technology.
The Government is offering a stronger partnership with Homes England, capitalising on the Affordable Housing Programme and Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund to create a joint action plan for affordable housing schemes for local people and reduce homelessness. The proposal includes additional land assembly and compulsory purchase powers, and would facilitate greater Community Land Trust-led delivery.
Are you eligible for Pension Credit and not receiving it?
The Government is encouraging pensioners to check if they qualify for pension credit and if so, to apply for it in order to receive the winter fuel payment. If you get Pension Credit, you can also get other help, including:
- Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Support for mortgage interest if you own the property you live in
- a Council Tax discount
- a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 years old or over
- help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
- help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house
Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single; or your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner. You could get additional benefits depending on your circumstances. You can apply for Pension Credit up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by three months.
The government’s new pension credit awareness drive will help identify households not claiming the benefit, and encourage them to apply by 21 December. That is the final date for making a backdated claim for pension credit, in order to receive the winter fuel payment. You can apply online, over the telephone, or by post.
Currently, only 63 per cent of people nationwide who are eligible for Pension Credit are receiving it. That is nearly four in every 10 pensioners who are entitled to Pension Credit, because of their low income, are not claiming it. To find out if you are eligible for Pension Credit, visit the Government’s website at https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
Many local pharmacies or GP surgeries across Devon offer free blood pressure checks. To check whether your local pharmacy offers this service visit the NHS webpage at https://tinyurl.com/2jydttj7 People can also check what the result might mean at https://tinyurl.com/4heb8fm8
Key Stage 2 test results better than national average
New figures published by the Department for Education show that many Devon pupils with additional needs who sat their Key Stage 2 (KS2) tests this summer have performed better than the national average. Results for this summer’s KS2 pupils in Devon with special educational needs (SEN) who are receiving additional support in the classroom show an improvement on last year’s results (2022/23) in science, grammar, punctuation and spelling, maths and reading.
Fifty-eight per cent of Devon pupils with SEN, who are receiving additional support, were assessed as having met the standard expected of all KS2 pupils for science, compared to a national average of 54 per cent. Fifty-two per cent of pupils in Devon with SEN support met the expected standard in reading, compared to 48 per cent national average. Many pupils with Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) also performed better than the national average. The tests, known as SATs, alongside teacher assessments, are to make sure that individual pupils have the support they need as they move into secondary school.
And finally…!
Recent torrential rain, high winds and flooding made it a busy time for Devon County Council’s Highways teams clearing up across the county, which takes teams away from repairing and keeping highways in good order. It is a growing issue because our weather is changing with wetter and wetter winters and rain becoming much more intense, making it a constant challenge to keep ahead of issues before they arise. At the last meeting of Devon County Council there were some very positive statistics presented on how extra money put in to the budget for this financial year has been used, with a few key headlines below:
- An increase of 51 per cent in the number of emergency potholes we have repaired in the first four months of this financial year compared to the same period in 2023.
- In the past four months, DCC Highways has already completed 80 per cent of the patching repairs that we were able to achieve in the whole of the last financial year.
- Patching repairs target sections of road, which are deteriorating, laying patches over extensive areas before potholes or other defects form.
- Since April, we have patched more than 18,000 square metres of road in more than 350 locations across the county.
- Extensive work is being carried out on all categories of roads right across the county and, while we will not be able to get to every road in need of repair, we are ensuring our extra investment goes as far as possible.
These are very pleasing results, but there is still far more to do with a road maintenance backlog of around £200 million across our county, combined with occasional, damaging freezing conditions and an unprecedented number of violent storms, resulting in the worst possible combination for road surfaces. We are also working with town and parish councils to share information and gather local intelligence so we can respond more effectively.
Cllr Twiss reported that DCC’s new Neighbourhood Highways Officer for the area is hoping to meet representatives of Gittisham, Feniton and Buckerell parish councils jointly every few months to discuss highways.
He added there was no update regarding broadband, despite a decision on Airband’s contract promised at the end of September.
Cllr Bruce reported that EDDC’s strategic planning committee meetings grind ever onwards toward setting out potential land for development. It is by no means a perfect system for any of our communities, he said, having seen for himself in South East Kent, where today rampant development has/is destroying the very environment people chose to move in to. Where there were three towns, there will shortly be one massive blob of housing with no definition between the former towns. This is, for him, an horrific example of runaway house building and how bad it can get. Cllr Bruce said although we are not facing the same scenario, given the huge pressure government are putting on councils to come up with mandatory housing numbers, we must resist where we can ending up in the same situation.
It’s not helped by the selection system EDDC has adopted, said Cllr Bruce. For example, when site selections are being made, the committee has two choices. Either they adopt a site or move on, but not to refuse one. This leaves the process open ended, allowing the committee to return and review sites if they end up with a shortfall in potential housing numbers. The result is no certainty to communities as to what may happen in the future and is fundamentally unacceptable. This method completely moves away from community driven development where local needs are paramount. Sadly we are now being forced into a numbers game to fulfil a manifesto pledge.
South West Water’s woeful performance remains a top local story. Despite a number of meetings with council representatives, there appears to be little hope of the situation improving any time soon. In Cllr Bruce’s view, the adoption of the carrot formula is not working with this utility company. He would advocate the stick approach, especially as shareholders apparently don’t like adverse publicity. It should be a national shame that our waters are more polluted now than twenty years ago.
The confusion over who is responsible for repairing the railings on Riverside Bridge have now hopefully been resolved with Devon Council undertaking the works. He said hopefully because there is still time for them to turn round and negate responsibility, leaving us back looking for who is! In the same vein, the silting in the stream is also being looked at as to who is responsible.
Finally, if you get a chance to step out an hour after sunset around the 12th of this month, you may get to see our latest celestial wanderer, comet 2023-A3. The proper name is difficult to pronounce so he suggested sticking to Atlas. Look to the east low in the sky. If it does put on a show, Cllr Bruce said the media will be all over it.
The Chair said that EDDC Contractors have cleared silt at the Riverside bridge but did not carry out any work at the village bridge. The flood bypass culvert at the village bridge is now partially blocked by silt at the downstream outfall and is therefore increasing flood risk. The build-up of silt and vegetation on the right bank just upstream of the village bridge is getting close to blocking the surface water drain outlets. There is also work needed to regrade the bed at Crabbs Cottage, right bank where scour has caused the floodwall foundations to be exposed.
ACTION: Chair to contact Tom Buxton-Smith at EDDC regarding the above.
The Chair referred to a letter from Honiton RFC, whose members are looking for new places to train as the current pitches are over-used. The club had approached EDDC about land it owns on the corner of Hayne Lane. However, the Chair said this site has been earmarked as employment land in the Local Plan for some time.
ACTION: Chair to contact Honiton RFC and refer them to the EDDC Local Plan.
77/24 To receive a report on the EDDC Local Plan
Cllr Valentine said he had attended EDDC’s Strategic Planning Committee on 20th September, where he had addressed those present on potential site allocations in the Honiton and Axminster areas (including Gittisham). However, due to some last minute changes by EDDC with the allocation numbers, he was prevented from commenting on HONI_15. Cllr Valentine said he was utterly dismayed by an apparent lack of organisation, and a culture of giving free rein to elected members with their own local agendas. Members heard that a decision had been deferred to a later date, but the committee agreed to consider the entirety of the land earmarked between Hayne Lane and Sidmouth Road at the next stage. This site may or may not be discussed at the Strategic Planning Committee meeting on 23rd October. Cllr Valentine said he was unavailable to represent GPC on that particular date, so the Chair assured him someone would represent the parish council and read out a prepared statement. The clerk said she would be working abroad and advised members to check the date for registering attendance and to do so themselves if necessary.
Cllr Valentine advised members to consider appointing a consultant at a later date to present any arguments required to the examination in public.
ACTION: Cllr Valentine to prepare a statement.
Cllrs Bruce and Twiss left the meeting.
78/24 To consider the following planning applications:
- 24/1683/FUL – Combe Garden Centre Hayne Lane Gittisham EX14 3PD – Proposed extension to existing building to form dry store area to kitchen and new toilets with new orangery to café
Councillors resolved to have no objection to the application.
79/24 To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:
- To consider the provision of superfast broadband in the parish (Cllr Powell)
- In his absence, Cllr Powell notified members that Phil Roberts (CDS Programme Manager) and Matt Barrow (Stakeholder Engagement Officer) will attend the parish council meeting on Thursday 7th November in the village hall to discuss the provision of fibre broadband to the village and surrounds.
- ACTION: Clerk to check if Phil Roberts and Matt Barrow have any specific requirements.
- ACTION: Chair to speak to Cllr Powell about inviting other companies to the meeting. Chair to publicise this meeting.
- To note the latest planning decision notices
- 24/1504/FUL - 6 Honeysuckle Drive Honiton EX14 2YL Proposed single storey rear extension. Approval.
- To receive an update on Highways
22-24 Oct. A30 Daisymount to Langford Honiton. Overnight closure for roadworks.
07-17 Oct. A35 Honiton to Axminster. Overnight closure for carriageway works.
Members heard that a drain is blocked underneath the railway bridge by the Forge, and some residents have been clearing ditches.
ACTION: Clerk to email new NHO to say the drain outside the village hall needs jetting.
- To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106
The clerk said EDDC had confirmed that the definition of “sports pitch” remained unchanged. Members discussed what to do with the second tranche of S106 funds from Hayne Farm totalling £131,126.43. In principle it was agreed to instruct EDDC to take back the majority of this, as GPC does not wish to spend it. Members said they would be pleased if it was offered to projects that would benefit Gittisham residents, and agreed they would like to understand more about Honiton Town Council’s intentions. Cllr Valentine reminded those present that the parish council may wish to retain some of the funds in case they could be spent on projects at Hayne Farm.
ACTION: Clerk to contact EDDC to outline position. Chair to write to Honiton TC.
- To receive an update on public transport
09-22 Nov. Railway line closure Honiton to Axminster for engineering works. A bus replacement service will run instead.
The Chair explained that when trains are not running, the 08:07am Stagecoach bus takes additional passengers before reaching Gittisham and refuses to take passengers, including King’s School students, from the village.
ACTION: Clerk to alert Cllr Orchard to ask about Stagecoach contingency planning.
- To consider climate change measures within the parish, including proposals for rewilding land in the parish
Cllr Rowe said there was no update on this.
- To consider limited residential development in the parish
Cllr Valentine explained that a heritage consultant appointed by GCLT had met English Heritage, EDDC’s conservation officer and a planning officer on site. This followed the English Heritage report submitted as a result of the planning application. Cllr Valentine said some minor adjustments to the current proposal could potentially be incorporated. He added that there may be news in the Government’s autumn statement about how far they are prepared to go to fund CLT developments.
- To consider the creation of a footpath linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village
In his absence Cllr Powell said he had been in touch with Tom Green, RoW officer at DCC and Justin Lascelles, Combe Estate. Cllr Rowe reported that a traffic-free amenity route was mentioned at EDDC’s Strategic Planning Committee meeting when the allocation was discussed.
- To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area
The Chair said she would remind Russell Hayman about cutting the hedge opposite Parkers. Cllr Rowe reported that the tower slide needs a new plastic window, which he will measure. The Chair said she would check what other hedge cutting needs to be done inside the play area.
ACTION: Clerk to enquire with manufacturer about window. Clerk to ask Michael Poll if trimming hedges falls within his remit.
- To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain ditches and drains in the parish
ACTION: Chair to contact Cllr Walker, to ask her to discuss with Len Abbott the areas of the parish which need continuing maintenance and draw up a map.
80/24 To receive a report from the Chair
The Chair said there was nothing to report this month.
81/24 To approve the October payments and to note the current bank balance
Members resolved to approve the following payments:
F Clampin £254.34 clerk’s salary + £10.13 expenses (travel Ottery – Gittisham 7.5-mile round trip x 3 for agendas, minutes & September meeting @0.45p / mile)
Michael Poll, play area grass cutting £65 (inv. ref. 10360)
Gittisham PCC, £37 July-September parish room hire
DALC £78 2 x Procurement Act training courses (Chair & Clerk) (inv. ref. 5962 & 6001)
NEST £26.78 (clerk’s pension)
Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £25,678.15 (which includes approximately £7,156.88 in the business reserve account).
82/24 To review the parish council’s online banking arrangements
Members heard there had been issues with online access, and agreed to discuss at the next meeting.
83/24 Clerk’s report
There was nothing to report.
84/24 For information only; items for the forward agenda
Future projects; funding of Gittisham village fete 2025; lengthsman; bank mandate.
85/24 To consider any late entry correspondence
None.
86/24 Date of next two meetings
Thursday 7th November (village hall) and Thursday 5th December 2024 at 7.30pm.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2100 hrs.
Chair…………………………………….
7th November 2024
Getting Fibre Broadband to Gittisham Village
I first came across the ice house in the seventies, when I was asked to go and clear some camellias which had fallen across the track. This was before Richard and Nelly moved over from Canada, the house was empty, so I had a look around the garden which I hadn’t seen for a few years. I saw what I at first thought was an upturned tree stump, but it looked too regular, so I went over to it and saw an entrance, looked in, there wasn’t any barrier, and saw what I thought was a dry well 
