2025-26

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

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

Vale ward: Cllr A Powell

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

Apologies for absence: Cllr G Pester, Cllr P Orchard, Cllr A Rye, PCSO Darren England

105/25 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

106/25        To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 6th November 2025

The minutes of the meeting held on 6th November 2025 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.  

107/25        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

September 2025

Meadow Acre: 1 x violence & sexual offences

Hedge Field Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences

Hamlett Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences

Laburnum Close: 1 x other theft

October 2025

Meadow Acre: 1 x violence & sexual offences

Parsonage Lane: 1 x anti-social behaviour

Nether Close: 1 x public order

Aspen Close: 1 x anti-social behaviour

108/25        To receive declarations of interest

None.

109/25        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

Cllr Rowe said he had spoken to the farmer regarding the significant run-off from the track close to Bath Tub Corner.

The Chair said she would follow up with Michael Poll, who had contacted her with respect to the bus shelter and the gate post in the play area.

Cllr Rowe thanked members for nominating him for the National Association of Local Councils’ Young Councillor of the Year award.  He will attend an event at the House of Lords in February 2026, and all agreed the parish council would cover his travel expenses (on production of receipts).

At this point in the meeting the Chair moved to item 7 on the agenda, with the agreement of all present.

110/25 To receive a report on the EDDC Local Plan and consider any actions arising

Cllr Valentine explained that EDDC’s Local Plan is in the second stage of the consultation period, which expires on 26^th January 2026.  There are a number of new documents which have appeared because new evidence has come forward.  This includes a water cycle plan, which shows that the discharges from Feniton and Honiton sewage treatment works are exceeding capacity by 40 per cent.  To rectify that in Honiton and to take account of the land allocations in the Local Plan, the authorities would have to increase the capacity in Honiton by 73 per cent.  Members expressed frustration at the apparent disregard for infrastructure issues. Cllr Bruce said he would try to find out what South West Water’s strategic planning policy might be.

Cllr Valentine warned that any challenge to the plan, if the enquiry inspector was supportive and the Local Plan fails at the enquiry stage, will essentially give an open door to developers.  As Gittisham PC has objected in the past to the plan, Cllr Valentine said not pursuing those objections made him feel uncomfortable but it may be something that Gittisham parish councillors have to accept.  In the light of a recent decision to approve additional development in Feniton (see 111/25 below), Cllr Valentine said this approval could set a dangerous precedent. He agreed to build a picture of what comments the parish council would make, and circulate them in advance of the next meeting.  

111/25 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives, and to consider Local Government reorganisation

Cllr Bruce explained that EDDC has finally voted on the devolution plan required by Government.  A robust and passionate debate followed, with a free expression of sentiment. Whilst there was clearly no appetite for this change in the chamber, it was strongly felt that not to present EDDC’s vision for the future of Devon would lead to the Government imposing their ideas on us. This way the Secretary of State has a solid and well-worked out plan, which will be difficult to ignore. We shall see what happens next, but the ball is in the Government’s court, he said.

On the plus side, the potential impact of changes in responsibility for parish and town councils appears to have disappeared.  Cllr Bruce raised this question at full council, and was assured the current levels of responsibility will remain after any proposed changes to local government.

Cllr Bruce reported that he had escalated his complaint regarding the lack of communication from officers at EDDC, which seems to be a problem at the moment for all members. This is particularly aggravating as the bulk of interaction between district councillors and their parishes involves, and relies on, good communication between them and officers.  He promised to update when he has more information.

The recent flurry of planning applications for large developments has rightly raised concerns for residents in the neighbouring parish of Feniton. Cllr Bruce and Feniton PC have done their best to lobby heads of planning and the committee to fully understand the particular issues in this village that make these applications unviable. However, as we have seen with the recent passing of an application by the planning inspector, against the decision of the planning committee, and against a previous ruling by an inspector, we are in very difficult times he said. This makes the job of the planning committee deciding on these kinds of applications problematic. On the one hand they may wish to protect the village using current local regulations, only to find these swept away by an inspector, and costs awarded against the council. The ramifications for future planning are self-evident for all our villages.

Cllr Bruce left the meeting.

Cllr Jefferies said DCC had reaffirmed its commitment to Devon’s foster carers.  It’s a service which hasn’t performed well in the past, he said, but now an extra £2 million is available and there is a plan to build the fostering service back up again.

He said he had attended an event involving the Devon Youth Council and the Stand Up Speak Up group for care-experienced young people.  Cllr Jefferies said there is money available via the youth council for youth groups if they wish to put a bid in for funding.

Cllr Jefferies explained that DCC had received a positive report from Ofsted into its childrens’ services, the first positive inspection Devon has had in more than 10 years.  DCC has published a Special Educational Needs plan that aims to create a more inclusive education system across the county.  The plan focuses on early intervention, local provision, and building inclusive communities, in line with national reforms expected to be formalised in a Schools White Paper next year.

Cllr Jefferies left the meeting.

112/25     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 was arranging to meet the owner of Truances Dairy to discuss the possibility of Openreach installing a fibre connection as far as the dairy, and then Radio Fibre planned to dig a trench as far as Gittisham village.  Cllr Powell suggested approaching Matt Barrow at CDS for a grant, and it was agreed that the parish council should reopen the dialogue with them.  Members agreed with the Chair’s point about asking first if Radio Fibre needs additional funds to complete the work.     

• To note the latest planning decision notices
  • 25/1857/VAR 1 Hamlett Close Gittisham EX14 3FR – Variation of Condition 1 (approved plans), on planning permission 24/2200/FUL (Conversion of existing garage to living accommodation, with first floor extension over), to make the project more accessible to a disabled person. Approval with conditions.
• To receive an update on Highways 

None.

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

The clerk reported that no one from GPC was able to attend Honiton TC’s meeting on to evaluate bids from sports groups.  The Chair said the minutes of that meeting would appear in due course and determine any involvement from GPC.

• To receive an update on public transport

Cllr Rowe noted that there had been several more additions to the clipboard with details of the bus not passing through Gittisham village.  He wondered if Stagecoach would consider passing through when the previous bus has been cancelled, to help those stranded.

ACTION: Clerk to ask Stagecoach.

• To consider updating the parish emergency plan

Cllr Rowe said he had recruited a new parishioner in the village, and he hoped that any people mentioned in the plan would be able to deliver a range of tasks including helping with floods and spreading salt on the roads in cold weather.

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

Cllr Powell agreed to put a message on the various parish communication channels to encourage people to take away a free young tree, offered by the Devon Wildlife Trust.  Cherry, hazel, oak and wild rose are available. 

• • To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said the planning application was awaiting approval, subject to a S106 agreement which will confirm the letting arrangements and how the CLT will provide for the people in need of affordable housing.  He said he may approach the parish council in due course for financial support under S137 to cover the cost of a solicitor. 

Cllr Valentine said he will arrange a public meeting in the village hall in the New Year, as there has been a lot of change in the village and Hayne Farm since the CLT process began in 2017.  This event is designed for everyone, and especially people who are unfamiliar with the application to find out more.

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

Cllr Rowe agreed to try meeting the county council’s NHO Tom Cox in January to talk about the proposed footway, and Cllr Powell said he could come along as well.  The clerk said she would try to find out more information about how West Hill PC had installed a footway.

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

There was no update this month.

• • To consider the work of the parish lengthsman

Members said they were pleased with the results of the lengthsman’s work.   The Chair agreed to meet the lengthsman to look again at the broken drain on Parsonage Lane.  He had previously unblocked it, but it then collapsed and may need a digger to fix.

Cllr Rowe said he had dug out ditches after the railway bridge by the Forge (village side) so that water won’t build up.  He added that it would be good to dig the ditches around the lake.  There are gullies on either side where water could go.  Members noted that down by Combe Garden Centre, the volume of water is significant coming out from where three shipping containers have been installed.  There is not enough drainage capacity here.

ACTION: Cllr Powell to ask the lengthsman to look at the ditch which needs clearing up Dark Lane, approximately 20ms beyond the drain which crosses the road at Pomeroy Lodge.

ACTION: Cllr Powell to ask the lengthsman to call on the Chair so they can arrange to visit the broken drain up Parsonage Lane and decide what needs to be done and whose responsibility it is.

ACTION: Clerk to contact DALC and ask if other parish councils require lengthsmen to go through Chapter 8 training.

113/25     To receive a report from the Chair

Members noted that the Chair would not be standing for re-election to the parish council in May 2026.

114/25    To approve the December 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 & November meeting @0.45p / mile)

Michael Poll, grass cutting play area £70 (inv. ref. 10465)

HMRC, clerk tax £1.60

Fab Trim Landscaping (INV-000027) £290

Websites Ahoy, annual support & maintenance for website £455 (invoice ref W25-GPC-1)

NEST (clerk’s pension) £28.98

The clerk said she would have to 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 emails when paid.  Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £25,744.16 (which includes approximately £7,309.30 in the business reserve account). 

115/25 To consider proposals to reduce the balance of Gittisham Parish Council’s reserves

Members heard that Cllr Pester has made good progress on the content for two interpretation boards, with limited amendments from the rest of the PC.  All agreed some additional information for the rest of the parish would be good.  Cllr Rowe added that it would be nice to have a map of the village with house names, distributed to everyone, as this would help them signpost delivery drivers who occasionally struggle with finding houses.  It was agreed to discuss the boards further when Cllr Pester could be present. 

ACTION: Cllr Pester to report back at the January meeting.

116/25 Clerk’s report

None.

117/25     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Budget; precept; reducing the reserves.

118/25     To consider any late entry correspondence

None.

119/25     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 8^th January and Thursday 5th February 2026 at 7.30pm.  

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

Chair……………………………………. 

8th January 2026

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

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

Vale ward: Cllr P Orchard, Cllr A Rye, Cllr A Powell

In attendance: Cllr Richard Jefferies (DCC), Fiona Clampin (clerk)

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

89/25 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

90/25        To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 2nd October 2025

The minutes of the meeting held on 2nd October 2025 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.  

91/25        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

August 2025

Parsonage Lane: 1 x other theft

Hedge Field Close: 1 x anti-social behaviour, 1 x violence & sexual offences

92/25        To receive declarations of interest

None.

93/25        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

None.

94/25 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives, and to consider Local Government reorganisation

In his absence, Cllr Bruce sent the following report:

“After last month’s comments on our local devolution, it would now appear that our area of east Devon is not a priority area. This should mean we have a bit longer to come to a fair and proportional decision; we’ll see. In the meantime, I am concerned over a potential conflict of interest within our council, when it comes to deciding which of the devolution plans being worked up, to go for. It would seem clear that county and district have strongly differing ideas of how to split up the area and where the relevant responsibilities will fall. This will not be a unique situation to us, and will no doubt be mirrored across the nation, wherever you have councillors who wear a district and county hat. However, here I’m concerned at the level of pressure which will be brought to bear, especially along party lines, whereas what we need is full impartiality when it comes to voting on this very important change to our local democracy.

“Apparently EDDC, along with County, are considering overturning a local ban on the use of glysophate. This has come about after public complaints concerning overgrown roadside verges.  As a committed naturalist and beekeeper, I strongly oppose this potential retrograde step. The evidence is clear on the long-term hazards associated with this chemical, especially the devastating impact it has on the little seen elements of our wildlife. I am, however, confident that common sense will prevail, and that this request will be dismissed.

“On a more positive note, I am pleased to report that a full and frank debate took place at last month’s full council meeting regarding the leisure plans for Cranbrook. The proposed allocation of monies to this project are substantial, especially given the pressures all our basic services are under, and I entered the debate with some profound misgivings. However, after some well presented reports and further information, I was left feeling confident that this investment – not just in Cranbrook, but for all our district – will bring major benefits to all of us long into the future.”

Cllr Richard Jefferies said DCC is carrying out a public consultation about the future of its library service, and it has also drawn up an action plan to support young people (especially those with special educational needs) to find work and training places.

Cllr Rowe asked for Cllr Jefferies’ take on what the impact would be of local government reorganisation on parish councils. Cllr Jefferies said different proposals will be put before DCC’s Cabinet shortly.  DCC’s preferred option is for the county council and the existing eight district councils to be replaced with a single unitary authority serving around 840,000 residents, while retaining the existing authorities of Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council.  According to DCC’s website, 16 Neighbourhood Area Committees would be created, aligned with health, care and local economic geographies. They would bring together councillors, parish representatives, the voluntary and community sector, businesses and public service partners with a devolved budget and dedicated support team to provide the foundation for local democracy and decision-making. Establishing the Neighbourhood Area Committees would not remove any assets or powers from local town and parish councils.  Cllr Jefferies added that Honiton Town Council has some information available on its website which is useful.

The Chair said Gittisham parish had very few assets that could be taken on, such as public toilets.  Cllr Orchard added that the consultation on the proposals will begin in spring 2026.

Members discussed with Cllr Jefferies the possibility of him taking Gittisham’s proposal to support a footpath from Hayne Lane to the Otter Inn to his Highway and Traffic Orders Committees (HATOC, which meets quarterly).  All agreed that as one of the few amenities in the area, people should be supported to walk there safely.  The clerk said that West Hill PC have recently carried out a small highway improvement, and may be willing to share their experience with the parish.

Cllr Rowe said he had discussed with Tom Cox (DCC Highways) and another officer about creating an app to run in tandem with the ‘report a problem’ webpage.  Cllr Jefferies said he would mention it at DCC, along with the footpath proposal.

Cllr Jefferies left the meeting.

ACTION: Chair to draw up a one-page summary of the footpath proposal and estimate of cost.

95/25 To receive a report on the EDDC Local Plan and consider any actions arising

In his absence, Cllr Valentine sent the following: “no update yet on the Local Plan due to meetings being cancelled. Next meeting of Strategic Planning Committee is provisionally set for 25th November (no agenda available at present).”

80/25   To consider the following planning applications:

1. 25/1857/FUL – 1 Hamlett Close, Gittisham EX14 3FR – Variation of Condition 1 (approved plans) on planning permission 24/2200/FUL (Conversion of existing garage to living accommodation with first floor extension over) to make the project more accessible to a disabled person

Members resolved to have no objection to a).

97/25     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 original proposal to lay a micro-trench across fields from the garden centre was now in doubt, as part of this land is in EDDC’s allocation for the local plan.  The owner of Radio Fibre is considering an alternative route beginning at the Iron Bridge, but this may be held up by negotiation with Combe Estate over wayleaves and potential compensation for tenant farmers.  Members expressed a collective sigh that progress on installing superfast broadband appears once again to be running into issues

ACTION: Chair to speak to Tom at Radio Fibre before December meeting to discuss a way forward.

• To note the latest planning decision notices

• 25/1552/LBC – The Lodge Gittisham EX14 3AD – Remove existing asbestos roof slates and felt, and replace with new natural slate roof with new “bat-safe” roof membrane, including partially dismantling and rebuilding existing chimney stack to match existing.  Approval with conditions.
• 25/1551/FUL – The Lodge Gittisham EX14 3AD – Remove existing asbestos roof slates and felt, and replace with new natural slate roof with new “bat-safe” roof membrane, including partially dismantling and rebuilding existing chimney stack to match existing.  Approval with conditions.
• 25/1365/PVJ – Gittisham Farm Gittisham EX14 3AX – Prior approval for the installation of 152 solar PV panels on a pitched roof.  Prior approval not required.
• 25/1826/TCA – Gorse Cottage Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AH X2 conifer fell.  No TPO required.
• To receive an update on Highways 

29 November 09:30 -15:30 A375 Road past Gittisham Hill closed for telecom works.

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

Cllr Orchard said the next meeting at Honiton TC has been rescheduled to 26 November to evaluate bids from sports groups, but he is unable to attend.  The clerk said she had received a response from EDDC regarding S106 and applications from particular groups: “S106 monies for open spaces can be requested by a sports club or say a playing field / recreation trust, as long as the PC are supportive.  For example, in Dalwood the playing field is held by a trust, and they requested monies to install some outdoor play / music equipment which the PC supported.  The important thing to remember with S106 is that it is collected for a specific purpose which is to improve and maintain open spaces.  Therefore it must be used for sport, play and recreation.” 

ACTION: Chair to attend HTC S106 meeting on 26/11/25.

• To receive an update on public transport

Cllr Orchard said South Western Railway are still running an amended service on the Waterloo line, owing to the track bed being too dry.  Members noted that the service is scheduled to return to normal from 29^th November.

• To consider updating the parish emergency plan

Cllr Rowe said he had some amendments to make to the plan such as telephone numbers, and will be canvassing for new members.  He added that he had topped up the sandbags in the village bus shelter, and reported the low stock of some grit bins.  Members discussed the significant run-off from the track close to Bath Tub Corner.

ACTION: Chair to discuss run-off with the farmer.

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

There was no update this month.

• • To consider limited residential development in the parish

In his absence, Cllr Valentine sent the following report: “As a preliminary to confirming the approval of the planning application (yes – it will be an approval) the EDDC planning officer has issued his intended planning conditions which, in general, are standard conditions with no surprises. His final report is still awaited and the approval will be subject to a Section 106 Agreement which will confirm the letting arrangements. The details of the Letting Arrangements have been previously agreed with the EDDC Housing Team and the GCLT Lettings Policy mirrors a policy which has already been embodied in a S106 agreement for another CLT in East Devon. I am not anticipating any difficulties with the drafting of the S106 and once this is agreed the formal decision notice of the planning approval will be issued.  It will be necessary to appoint a solicitor to assist with the formalities of the S106.  I am not quite ready to celebrate but we are nearly there in respect of the planning application.  We have now approached a Housing Association regarding a possible development partnership.”

• 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

The clerk said Michael Poll had quoted £110 to replace the post on the small gate, and the Chair said she would approach residents to see if he could use their electricity for his breaker. 

ACTION: Chair to approach residents near play area. 

• • To consider the work of the parish lengthsman

Members noted that the lengthsman had been carrying out work on Parsonage Lane and Dark Lane.  Cllr Rowe reported that Awliscombe’s road warden scheme had been successful, and he would find out from Tom Cox if Gittisham residents and the lengthsman could have some training in future.  Cllr Rowe asked if the grate outside xx needed reinstating.  The Chair agreed to take a look and let him know for him to take measurements for a replacement. 

The clerk said Michael Poll was happy to carry out work on overhauling the bus shelter. 

ACTION: Chair to meet Michael Poll to discuss work to be done.

98/25     To receive a report from the Chair

The Chair said there was no report this month.

99/25    To approve the November payments and to note the current bank balance

Members resolved to approve the following payments:

F Clampin £275.29 clerk’s salary + £18.12 expenses (travel Ottery – Gittisham 7.5-mile round trip x 3 for minutes, agenda & October meeting @0.45p / mile; 1 x pack printer paper)

Michael Poll, grass cutting play area £70 (inv. ref. 10458)

Community Heartbeat Trust £324 annual support costs for Gittisham Vale & Gittisham telephone box defibs

F Clampin (HMRC) £13 tax payments on clerk’s salary (tax periods 5-7)

Devon County Council £532.09 depth marker

NEST (clerk’s pension) £28.98

The clerk said she would have to pay HMRC with her own debit card because of issues receiving a code by telephone to access the GPC online tax account.  She will circulate the confirmation emails when paid.  Members agreed that the reminder invoice received from DCC was most likely to be for the depth marker; the clerk agreed to check.  Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £26,875.16 (which includes approximately £7,258 in the business reserve account). 

100/25 To consider proposals to reduce the balance of Gittisham Parish Council’s reserves

Members discussed Cllr Pester’s proposal for two interpretation boards.  Cllr Orchard said he had made enquiries with an artist in Honiton who previously worked for Disney.  She is interested and can work on combining pictures and text.  Cllr Rowe said he could provide the metal frames.  Cllr Pester said he would speak to Paul Wakely about the content for the boards, and the clerk agreed to speak to Pierre Graeber about use of photographs.  One board could be placed by the village hall, and the other atop the granite on the village green.  Cllr Rowe suggested commissioning a logo for the parish council, and agreed to get in touch with Octavia Madden for artwork.

ACTION: Cllr Pester & Cllr Orchard to take this project forward.

ACTION: Chair to mention siting of the boards to Combe Estate.

101/25 Clerk’s report

None.

102/25     For information only; items for the forward agenda

None.

103/25     To consider any late entry correspondence

None.

104/25     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 11^th December 2025 and Thursday 8^th January 2026 at 7.30pm.  

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

Chair……………………………………. 

11^th December 2025

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

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

Vale ward: Cllr P Orchard

In attendance: one member of the public, Fiona Clampin (clerk)

Apologies for absence: Cllr A Rowe (Vice Chair), Cllr A Powell, Cllr A Rye, Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Cllr Richard Jefferies (DCC), PCSO Darren England

73/25 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

74/25        To confirm the minutes of the meetings held on 4th September 2025

The minutes of the meeting held on 4th September 2025 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.  

75/25        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

July 2025

Parsonage Lane: 1 x violence & sexual offences

Meadow Acre: 1 x criminal damage & arson

Hamlett Close: 1 x criminal damage & arson, 1 x violence & sexual offences

Hodges Close: 1 x criminal damage & arson, 1 x anti-social behaviour

76/25        To receive declarations of interest

None.

77/25        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

None.

78/25 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives, and to consider Local Government reorganisation

In his absence, Cllr Bruce sent the following report:

“A little more information is beginning to appear as to how the government’s devolution is going to work at local level, but it’s still a tiny trickle of what we need. Whilst quite how the various responsibilities of our current district and county councils are to be divided up is yet to be agreed, we don’t have to look too far to see a potential version of our local government.  Across the border in Somerset where the county is run by a unitary authority, there have been major changes in where certain responsibilities fall.  Unfortunately many services we currently take for granted are either underfunded or terminated. I use this example to try and offer a heads up to where we might end up in east Devon.

“What is clear is that our town and parish councils will be asked to shoulder burdens and responsibilities that they do not currently have anything to do with. My concern is that they will not be given the tools and resources to fulfil this new role. It appears that this is what’s happened across the border. Even before this new world descends on us, there are rumblings that budget constraints are biting at EDDC. Despite the embarrassing debacle of our new public toilets I understand that even more of our public toilets are going to be earmarked for either closure or replacement with new pay-to-use versions.

“I have long made the case that free to use public toilets are a vital part of our offering for tourism and for our older population. Some years ago it was removed as a statutory responsibility of councils, so it’s often first on the chopping board of cuts. Given what’s coming down the line, I hope we see town councils step up and run these, perhaps in partnership with local businesses that benefit from the provision of these toilets to their customers. We shall see. There are, of course, many more important services currently supplied by our county and district councils, and where they will end up is still up in the air, as is how well they will be funded.

“I’m afraid this has not been a very cheery report as I remain deeply concerned at this seismic change to our local government, and how it will play out for all of us. I fear that changing the table ‘place settings’ will not result in any of us getting a better service, rather I see us all paying more rates for less service.”

Cllr Richard Jefferies sent a brief report on DCC activities which is available on request.

79/25 To receive a report on the EDDC Local Plan and consider any actions arising

Cllr Valentine reported that EDDC was in the process of making what it calls minor changes to the draft Local Plan, which may mean parish councils won’t have the possibility to comment when the plan goes out for consultation again. He explained that challenging the Local Plan could be problematic: if such a challenge was successful, it would mean that EDDC could not use the previous formula to calculate housing numbers and would have to adopt the new formula from the National Planning Policy Framework.  EDDC would have to find sites for an additional 5,000 dwellings under this alternative formula.  Charlie Hopkins as consultant is aware of what is happening and will report back in due course.

80/25   To consider the following planning applications:

1. 25/1826/TCA – Gorse Cottage, Gittisham EX14 3AH – x2 conifer: fell

Members resolved to have no objection to a).

81/25     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)

The Chair said that the issue of wayleaves had come up once again, and the owner of Radio Fibre was looking at ways to minimise disruption.  She added that she’d not had a reply as to whether those residents with Voneus were eligible to apply for a voucher. 

ACTION: Clerk to request an update from Cllr Rowe.

• To note the latest planning decision notices

None.

• To receive an update on Highways 

14 October 2000–2359hrs Road under Ironbridge closed to repair a safety defect.

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

Cllr Orchard said the next meeting at Honiton TC is pencilled in for 17 November to evaluate bids from sports

groups.  If HTC receives a large number of applications, it will have to go to public consultation again. 

ACTION: Clerk to check with EDDC if S106 money can be donated to a particular organisation.

• To receive an update on public transport

Cllr Orchard said there was no update this month.  Members noted that the bus service went awry during the recent water leak in the village when the road had to be closed.

• To consider updating the parish emergency plan

Several members said they had contacted Cllr Rowe to update him on the status of the grit bins.

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

This was deferred to the next meeting.

• • To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine reported that EDDC’s Landscape Officer had presented a late submission to the planning application asking for the boundaries of the site to be changed.  The Chair thanked Cllr Valentine for his persistence and wished him luck in the determination process.

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

There was no update this month.  The Chair said she had received an email from a resident asking if a footpath in the parish was possible.

ACTION: Clerk to respond to resident.

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

The clerk said she had asked Michael Poll to quote for work to replace the post on the small gate, which is rotten. 

• • To consider the scope of future lengthsman work

Cllr Valentine said he had contacted Cllr Powell to ask if the lengthsman would do some work on Dark Lane.  Cllr Valentine will meet him on site so Fabian Trim can understand the issues.  The Chair reported that some gullies outside Myrtle Cottage needed cleaning, and also outside the village hall.  There are weeds to be cleared from the gullies outside Clyst Hayes. 

82/25     To receive a report from the Chair

There was no report this month.

83/25    To approve the October payments and to note the current bank balance

Members resolved to approve the following payments:

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 & September meeting @0.45p / mile)

Michael Poll, grass cutting play area £70 (inv. ref. 10451)

NEST (clerk’s pension) £28.98

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £28,136.64 (which includes approximately £7,258 in the business reserve account). 

84/25 To consider proposals to reduce the balance of Gittisham Parish Council’s reserves

Members agreed possible candidates were:

• Village bus shelter refurbishment
• Cllr Pester’s interpretation board
• Bench
• Village noticeboard

ACTION: Clerk to contact EDDC about bench, Luton Sawmills about noticeboard, Ottery & Budleigh TCs about interpretation board, Michael Poll about bus shelter.

ACTION: Cllr Orchard to enquire with Taylor Signs at Heathpark about interpretation board

ACTION: Cllr Rowe to update members on his suggestion to Combe Estate to cut down the dead hawthorn on the edge of the village green.

Cllr Valentine explain that under the Local Government Act of 1972 a parish council has discretionary powers to award grants to local groups or organisation which may bring a direct benefit to the area for some or all of its inhabitants.  This is known as S137.  He said he would be making an application to GPC for a grant under those provisions for the Community Land Trust.  Cllr Valentine suggested the parish council should make this provision more widely known.  There are criteria to be eligible (these are found on the Gittisham website under the grant giving policy).  The amount set is calculated per head of electoral roll, at £11.10 per head.

ACTION: Clerk to circulate advice from DALC regarding providing for a CLT under S137.

85/25 Clerk’s report

None.

86/25     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Cllr Pester provided an update about the welcome pack, the draft text of which he had previously circulated to members.  The consensus is to amalgamate information for Gittisham Vale and village.  Cllr Pester said Cllr Powell had agreed to send him information about the Vale, which Cllr Pester will then circulate to a friend for fact and spell checking.  Cllr Pester will keep the file which can be updated as and when necessary. 

87/25     To consider any late entry correspondence

None.

88/25     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 6^th November 2025 and December tbc at 7.30pm.  

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2055 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

6th November 2025