2025-26

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

Village ward: Cllr C Hall (Chair), Cllr A Rowe (Vice Chair), Cllr D Valentine, Cllr G Pester

Vale ward: Cllr P Orchard

In attendance: Cllr Richard Jefferies (DCC), one member of the public, Fiona Clampin (clerk)

Apologies for absence: Cllr A Powell, Cllr A Rye, Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC)

155/25 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

156/25        To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 5th February 2026

The minutes of the meeting held on 5th February 2026 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.  

157/25        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

January 2026
Longlands Way: 1 x other theft

158/25        To consider declarations of interest

Cllr Rowe declared an interest in agenda item 11 (minute ref. 165/25) as he is due to be reimbursed by the parish council.

159/25        To consider actions arising from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

None.

160/25        To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Cllr Jefferies reported that DCC had approved its annual budget, which prioritises roads and children’s services.  He added that there is a big campaign running county-wide to increase take-up of fostering.  There will be an extra £15m available for highways, which he said was welcome in the wake of January’s floods.  He said he had been corresponding with Cllr Rowe about the flooding issues at Iron Bridge and the incorrect depth gauge.

As regards broadband, members asked if Cllr Jefferies could have any input with Connecting Devon & Somerset.  The owner of Radio Fibre (the company working towards bringing full fibre broadband to Gittisham village) has said funding up to £20k is needed towards work on the wayleaves agreements and crop damage payments.  Cllr Jefferies said he would speak to the appropriate people to find out what can be done.

Members heard that Exeter City Council’s elections will be going ahead in May. 

Cllr Bruce did not send a report this month.  Cllr Valentine reported that he would be discussing with Cllr Bruce EDDC’s procedures for outsourcing some council work.  Hiring external solicitors for EDDC to complete agreements etc for the Gittisham CLT has led to a sharp increase in costs, which Cllr Valentine said were unacceptable.

Cllr Jefferies left the meeting.

161/25 To consider the following planning application:

a)           26/0156/LBC – 2 Riverside Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AE – Single storey rear extension with rooflight interlinking with existing small rear extension and existing wraparound side/rear extension; replace corrugated sheeting on existing small rear projection to match existing; block up window on original rear wall; block up external door into utility; reconfigure shower and create new door opening from bedroom into shower

Councillors resolved to have no objection to the application.

162/25 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)

Cllr Rowe reported that the owner of Radio Fibre, Tom Hills, says the process has not been plain sailing, which members agreed was to be expected.  Costs have escalated and Mr Hills is keen for the parish council to request additional funding from CDS.  He would like to meet the Chair and Cllr Rowe to map out a route from Truances Dairy into the village that avoids being on estate land. 

Cllr Orchard questioned the wisdom of pressing ahead with a fibre solution; he argued that this technology could be obsolete in a very short period of time, to be replaced by satellite connections.  Cllr Rowe agreed to get Tom Hills’ view on this.  Cllr Rowe added that Government funding is available for the fibre infrastructure and it might be wise to apply for it as a back-up, in the event of satellite or another future technology failing. 

• To note the latest planning decision notices
  • 25/2524/FUL Shermans Farm Gittisham EX14 3AU – Covered farmyard manure store.  Approval.
• To receive an update on Highways 

02–21 March 2000–0600hrs Inspection/Survey – A30 both directions, Honiton to Rawridge carriageway closure for inspections.  Diversion via A35 & A358, A30 west to Upottery.

16 March–11 Apr 1900–0600hrs Drainage – A30 Exeter to Honiton. Mobile lane closure for gully cleaning.

Cllr Rowe added that Network Rail are carrying out maintenance on the track and cutting by the Forge, which will last for four weeks beginning 2^nd March. 

The Chair and Cllr Rowe reported that they had had a productive discussion with Tom Cox, DCC’s NHO and the tenant farmer looking at flooding near the Iron Bridge and how to slow down run-off.  There is a culvert which needs clearing belonging to Network Rail.  The Chair added that the lengthsman had also made a difference clearing out beyond Gittisham Farm.  She thanked Cllr Rowe for liaising with Tom Buxton-Smith at EDDC, which has resulted in the contractor drilling larger holes in the wall running along the river near Eveleigh’s Cottage.

ACTION: Clerk to write to Network Rail about the blockage at e4 / 483a, and also to alert PCSO England to this in case he can raise it with them.

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

There was nothing to report this month.

• To receive an update on public transport

Cllr Orchard reported that the Stagecoach bus had failed to pass through Gittisham village several times during February.

• To consider updating the parish emergency plan

Cllr Rowe said it would be a good idea for a parish councillor to attend one of the online workshops run by Devon Communities Together, designed to help communities respond in an emergency.  The online course will explain how to set up an emergency hub and how it functions.

ACTION: The clerk agreed to investigate and circulate details to members.

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

There was nothing to report this month.

• • To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said he would be meeting the GCLT mentors next week to seek advice on the huge increase in costs from EDDC which is outsourcing solicitors’ work to be able to proceed with the S106 agreement for the site.  The GCLT board is due to meet on 1^st April.

• To consider the creation of a footpath linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village, inc. a footway close to the Otter Inn

There was no update this month.

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

Cllr Pester said that Taylor Signs in Honiton (who are designing the interpretation boards) could also create a sign for the play area, which would measure approximately 600x400mm at a cost of £49 + VAT.  He said they could also print a minimum of 44 parish council logo stickers for £80 + VAT.

ACTION: Clerk to circulate inspector’s recommendations for signage to Cllrs Pester & Rowe.

• • To consider the work of the parish lengthsman

The Chair reported that the lengthsman had been busy seeing to various spots across the parish.

163/25     To receive a report from the Chair

The Chair said Michael Poll would be carrying out a minor refurbishment of the bus shelter, including some new shelves and a coat of paint.  Structurally he says it is fine.  She added that she had received some signs from the police designed to deter flytippers.

164/25    To appoint Bluechip Payroll to carry out the annual audit & governance review 2025-26

Members resolved to appoint Bluechip Payroll for another year for the annual audit and governance review.

165/25    To approve the March payments and to note the current bank balance

Members resolved to approve the following payments:

F Clampin £275.29 clerk’s salary + £10.13 expenses (travel Ottery – Gittisham 7.5-mile round trip x 3 for minutes, agenda & February meeting @0.45p / mile)

HMRC, clerk tax £1.60

Charlie Hopkins (planning consultant) £1,000

Cllr Rowe left the meeting.

Cllr Alex Rowe, reimbursement for train journey £72.87 & tube ticket £6.40 to House of Lords, STAR Council Awards £79.27

Cllr Rowe returned to the meeting.

Fab Trim Landscaping lengthsman work (inv. ref. INV-000035) £100

Fab Trim Landscaping lengthsman work (inv. ref. INV-000037) £100

NEST (clerk’s pension) £28.98

The clerk said she would pay HMRC with her personal debit card because of issues receiving a code by telephone to access the GPC online tax account.  (This has been resolved since the meeting.)  She will circulate the confirmation email when paid.  Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £22,857.64 (which includes approximately £7,309.30 in the business reserve account). 

166/25   To consider the parish council’s grant-giving policy, publication scheme, complaints policy, anti-fraud & corruption policy, Freedom of Information Scheme and code of conduct

It was resolved to approve the above policies.

167/25   To consider the Parish Council’s Statement of Internal Control, Financial Regulations and Risk Management

It was resolved to approve the above policies.

168/25 To consider proposals to reduce the balance of Gittisham Parish Council’s reserves, including two interpretation boards.

Members discussed the possibility of ordering a grit spreading machine and some new benches, and Cllr Orchard agreed to talk to some Vale residents.  It was agreed that the telephone box and the Vale bus shelter could do with a coat of paint.

The clerk agreed to write a paragraph for the gazette inviting people to apply for project funding under S137, which is not for individuals.  Cllr Valentine suggested the village hall committee could approach the parish council this way for funding for equipment such as adult exercise bikes, which would be for community use.  Cllr Valentine said as he is on the village hall committee, he would have to declare an interest.

Members discussed finding an alternative store to Curlditch for the sandbags, and Cllr Valentine cautioned against erecting a shed that would require planning permission (depending on its size).

ACTION: Clerk to ask Michael Poll if he can paint the telephone box.

169/25 Clerk’s report

The clerk said it was unlikely she could make the date of the May meeting, so it may be necessary to reschedule.

170/25     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Cllr Valentine said he had ordered some replacement pads for the village defibrillator, and the clerk added that she had ordered a new battery for one at Hayne Farm.

171/25     To consider any late entry correspondence

Cllr Rowe reported back from his trip to the House of Lords for the STAR Council Awards.  Members agreed with the Chair’s comments that his nomination was well deserved.

Cllr Rowe said a resident had enquired about the state of the track by the Dower House, where the surface has become very uneven towards the church.

ACTION: Clerk to raise with Combe Estate.

172/25     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 2nd April and Thursday 7th May 2026 (tbc) at 7.30pm

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2125 hrs.

Chair……………………………………. 

2^nd April 2026

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

Village ward: Cllr C Hall (Chair), Cllr A Rowe (Vice Chair), Cllr D Valentine, Cllr G Pester

Vale ward: Cllr A Powell, Cllr A Rye

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

Apologies for absence: Cllr P Orchard, Cllr Richard Jefferies (DCC)

Before the start of the meeting, the Chair said the parish council sent its condolences to the family of Sasha Lawton and to Michael Harris at Combe Farm, following Sasha’s death.

One member of the public (a local farmer) spoke regarding recent flooding, particularly at Iron Bridge. He said he could only carry out work on his own land (which he has done), but he was not insured to unblock or repair drains on the public highway. He argued that until Devon County Council is in a position to clean out the culverts in the area, people will see little improvement. The Chair explained that the lengthsman and Cllr Rowe would be meeting another local farmer to look at where water could be diverted and ditches cleared. The clerk
said she had emailed Devon County Council, the police & National Highways (NH) expressing the parish council’s concerns about the Iron Bridge issues, including the lack of lighting. NH has replied to say when the road floods under the bridge, for safety reasons they have to close the A30 slip road. NH has written to DCC on several occasions stating that maintenance and intervention is required under the junction, as this does cause them problems with the main A30. On a positive note, Cllr Rowe said the flood gauge there is now positioned at
the correct height.

ACTION: Cllr Bruce to contact Cllr Jefferies explaining the farmer’s position and that of the parish
council.

139/25 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

140/25        To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 8th January 2026

The minutes of the meeting held on 8th January 2026 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.  

141/25        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

December 2025
Hodges Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences
Rowan Close: 1 x possession of weapons

The clerk reported that PCSO England has been in touch with EDDC regarding the installation of cameras to prevent flytipping, but needs to discuss data protection issues with them. PCSO England encourages people to keep reporting flytipping, and members heard he has also spoken to Devon Highways about the lack of lighting at Iron Bridge and the flooding issue.

142/25        To consider declarations of interest

None.

143/25        To consider actions arising from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

Cllr Rowe said he had been to a meeting at Honiton Town Council to discuss Local Government re-organisation. He explained that people at the meeting had discussed how reporting would work between parish, town councils and a future unitary authority but the meeting was inconclusive.

Cllr Rowe confirmed he would be attending the STAR Council Awards at the House of Lords on 24th February. He has been nominated in the Young Councillor of the Year category.

ACTION: Clerk to write a press release about Cllr Rowe’s nomination.

144/25        To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Cllr Bruce said it’s fair to say that January has been dominated by storm after storm. He said EDDC officers have been hard pressed to keep up with ongoing issues, particularly around flooding. On which subject, for the village of Feniton, it’s with considerable relief that the new flood alleviation scheme has performed as it was designed to do. Cllr Bruce understands there have been some isolated incidents of flooding in the ward which are being looked at to try and mitigate for the future.

Whilst talking about Feniton, Cllr Bruce referred to a complaint he had submitted regarding the cancellation of the planning meeting on 27th January, as this has ramifications for the area. The meeting was due to debate a major housing application, which understandably, had drawn a lot of local concern. When the Met Office issued an amber warning for the day of the meeting due to potential impact of storm Chandra, Cllr Bruce expected the Chair to cancel the meeting. However, the cancellation finally came early on the same day as the meeting. Cllr
Bruce said he considered this unacceptable, due to the nature and level of the danger to those wishing to travel to the meeting. Cllr Bruce has therefore requested an enquiry to establish a protocol to cover future situations of this kind. Ironically, the field identified in the planning application was flooded during the storm.

Cllr Bruce reported that a debate took place on 5 th February at Scrutiny (EDDC) to determine whether to have a rethink on the current ban on using glyphosate to control weeds in areas around east Devon. Cllr Bruce made the case that “an informed society does not go backwards.”. Yes, there are cost implications for any form of treatment, and, as a council, we must strive to get the best value from our rate payers; but to revert to any form
of chemical treatment without fully understanding the long-term ramifications is short sighted, he said. As a beekeeper, Cllr Bruce said he had seen first-hand the slow decline in the viability of honeybees as they struggle with the onslaught of chemicals in the countryside. Often these effects are slow and accumulative over time. For example just look how many bugs we now see splattered on our windscreens and number plates, compared with a few years ago. The insects have no voice, so we have to act when we see the evidence, Cllr Bruce argued. Fortunately clear heads prevailed, and EDDC will continue to test more environmentally friendly solutions alongside publishing the reasons why the district council may leave certain areas looking untidy.

Cllr Jefferies sent a short report to members which is available on request. He said he had escalated the Iron Bridge issues with DCC Highways. Members noted that Cllr Jefferies and Cllr Denise Bickley (Cabinet member for SEND) joined the campaign for fairer funding for schools, highlighting the challenges faced by our schools and the wider system in the face of unfair funding.

Members noted Richard Foord’s letter to the planning minister, criticising Government plans the MP says will weaken flood protection.

Cllr Bruce left the meeting.

145/25 To receive a report on the EDDC Local Plan and consider any actions arising

Cllr Valentine said that planning consultant Charlie Hopkins with whom he collaborated on responding to EDDC would be happy to attend a future parish council meeting, once the date of the enquiry in public is known. This is expected to be later this year. Members agreed to take this item off the agenda for now.

146/25 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)

Cllr Powell reported that the owner of Radio Fibre, Tom Hills, now needs a written agreement from Combe Estate that contractors can dig a trench through fields alongside the road from Truances Dairy into the village. Members heard that Cllr Powell has written to Combe Estate to request this, but is yet to receive a reply. Cllrs Rowe and Powell had met Tom Hills, who said he had negotiated a figure with Openreach to run a fibre from Fenny Bridges to Truances Dairy. It would be too costly to run a fibre from Fenny Bridges to the village hall,
hence the need for an agreement with Combe Estate. Tom Hills is hoping to speak to Connecting Devon & Somerset for additional funding.

ACTION: Chair to follow up with Combe Estate.

• To note the latest planning decision notices
  • 25/2570/PDQ Stockers Gittisham EX14 3AN – Prior approval (class Q) for change of use from agricultural building to 2no. dwelling houses (use class C3). Prior approval refused.
• To receive an update on Highways 

Members noted that the overnight closure planned 1621 March on Exeter Road west of Sidmouth Road appears to have been removed from the schedule.

Cllr Rowe said he was aware of complaints from Hayne Farm residents about graffiti on road signs at the T-junction. He and Cllr Rye agreed to remove the graffiti.

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

Cllr Rowe said Honiton Town Council had once again passed on its thanks to the parish council for the S106 funds.

• To receive an update on public transport

Members noted with amusement that during the recent flooding, the bus service was diverted via Gittisham village because Iron Bridge was impassable.

• To consider updating the parish emergency plan

Cllr Rowe said he had added some more sandbags from the Curlditch store to the bus shelter.  He said he had installed sandbags outside Talbots to divert water which comes off the hardcore track running to Shermans Farm.  He has also dug out some gravel from Talbots driveway to make the water run away quicker.  The Chair noted that there is a blockage of some kind at Catshayes, where the culvert does not appear to be doing its job and water is coming through the hedge.  

Members agreed it would be a good idea to apply for a grant from the Devon Community Resilience Forum.  It allows communities to organise public workshops on planning for a flooding event.  Cllr Rowe said he had received a reply from Tom Buxton-Smith, and EDDC would be sending a contractor to enlarge the hole in the river wall for drainage.  EDDC has also passed on information to SWW about the sewer main.  Cllr Rowe reported that since the area of the river close to the bypass had been desilted, it appears to be working.  

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

Cllr Rye reported that First Port as the maintenance company on the Hayne Farm site is supposed to install wildlife corridors as part of their planning obligations, but they only need to maintain them for five years.  EDDC is understood to have written to Baker Estates and First Port to say enforcement action could be taken, and giving them the opportunity to turn the situation around.  Cllr Valentine advised her to look at the planning conditions for the original application on the EDDC website, as this will demonstrate whether or not the developer is in breach of the conditions.

• • To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said EDDC’s solicitors had a high workload and had approached other solicitors to be able to proceed with the S106 agreement for the site.  This will incur a further cost.  

• To consider the creation of a footpath linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village, inc. a footway close to the Otter Inn

Cllr Powell said he and the clerk had been to West Hill to meet the parish council’s chair and clerk and understand the process involved in installing a new footpath close to West Hill village hall.  It took five years and cost approximately £40,000.  Cllr Powell said he would try to find the answer to the ownership of the verge running from the T-junction at Devonshire Road, down Hayne Lane and joining the tarmac path that leads to the A30 bridge.

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

ACTION: Clerk to arrange annual safety inspection.

• • To consider the work of the parish lengthsman

Cllr Powell said he and the Chair would be meeting the lengthsman the following day to see if anything could be done about run-off at Gittisham Farm and Shermans.  Cllr Valentine asked if they could look at a stretch of around 20 metres along Dark Lane, just above the Lodge heading north.

147/25     To receive a report from the Chair

There was no report this month.

148/25    To approve the February payments and to note the current bank balance

Members resolved to approve the following payments:

F Clampin £275.29 clerk’s salary + £12.38 expenses (travel Ottery – Gittisham 7.5-mile round trip x 3 for minutes, agenda & January meeting; travel Ottery – West Hill for meeting 5 miles @0.45p / mile)

HMRC (clerk’s tax) £1.60

Fab Trim Landscaping lengthsman work (inv. ref. INV-000033) £100

Michael Poll – supply and fit new post to entrance gate at the Recreation Ground (inv. ref. 10472) £110

Community Heartbeat Trust defib annual support package (Hayne Farm) £162

NEST (clerk’s pension) £28.98

The clerk said she would pay HMRC with her personal debit card because of issues receiving a code by telephone to access the GPC online tax account.  She will circulate the confirmation email when paid.  Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £24,290.91 (which includes approximately £7,309.30 in the business reserve account).  

149/25 To consider proposals to reduce the balance of Gittisham Parish Council’s reserves, including two interpretation boards.

Cllr Pester asked if fellow councillors could raise awareness of the welcome pack for new residents, including on social media and in the Gittisham Gazette. Cllr Rowe said he would put it on the Gittisham website, and Cllr Powell will post on the Hayne Farm WhatsApp group.  Cllr Rowe agreed to create a QR code that Cllr Powell can put on the noticeboard for people to scan.

Cllr Pester thanked Cllr Rowe for his technical expertise with the interpretation boards, one of which will go by the village green and another by the river.  Taylor Signs who are creating the boards are happy to do separate designs / pictures for each, which was agreed.  Members roundly approved the logo for the parish council which Cllr Rowe designed, and the Chair asked if in future some stickers could be printed to attach to parish council assets.  Cllr Pester added that he has permission from the artist to reproduce the drawing of the village, which is featured on the interpretation board.

150/25 To approve a supplier for the Gittisham play area maintenance contract for 2026/27

Members agreed to contract Michael Poll for another year, at a cost of £75 / cut.

151/25 Clerk’s report

Members gave approval for the clerk to get the printer fixed, if it could not be sorted at the Broadhembury repair café.  

The clerk read out a text from carpenter Ben Somers who has quoted £300 + materials to repair the noticeboard outside the village hall.  Members approved this, subject to advice from Cllr Rowe if the board should be moved closer to the wall and road.  This would affect the cost of the repair.

152/25     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Standing orders, financial regulations etc.

153/25     To consider any late entry correspondence

Cllr Pester said he would use DCC’s ‘report a problem’ page to alert the council that a black & white reflective post has been snapped off by Town Farm Buildings.  In addition, a resident has pointed out that a signpost has from the garden centre to the village has been scratched, but the Chair concluded there was nothing that could be done. 

Cllr Rye said a parishioner had asked if those who clean the roads could not spray mud inadvertently onto emerging spring bulbs.  The clerk said a resident had reported that the recycling lorry had not been closing its hatches, and the items had been redistributed.

Cllr Valentine said a branch of the oak on the village green has snapped off and is dangling above the ground.  Cllr Rowe said he had reported the tree last year to Combe Estate, to say that some of the branches were looking worse for wear.

ACTION: Clerk to ask Justin Lascelles if a safety assessment of the tree can be carried out and the branch removed.

154/25     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 5th March and Thursday 2nd April 2026 at 7.30pm.  

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2125 hrs.

Chair……………………………………. 

5th March 2026