Minutes 2026 September 2

Sep 11, 2026 | Minutes

Minutes of the monthly meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in
Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 2 September 2026 at 7:00pm

Present: Parish cllrs Bond (Chair), Golding, J Green (late), N, Green, Hawkes, Neale, Pope, Taylor & Unitt were present, as was C Radford (Clerk). cllr McKay and c.cllr Rake attended for parts of the meeting.  4 members of the public were in attendance.
Apologies: None

Public Forum
A Member of the Public (MoP) attended to answer questions about the planning application on the agenda at item 7.1.

1. Apologies were noted from cllr J Green that he would arrive late to the meeting.
2. Declaration of Interests Cllrs declared an interest in the following items: Cllr Neale on payment 2609_5 and cllr Bond on payment 2609_6.
3. Approval of Minutes It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting of 1 July 2026 as an accurate record.
4. Community Reports To receive reports from:
4.1 South Hams District Council (SHDC) councillor
4.1.1. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Cllrs were informed that the statutory change bill is expected in November, at which point, district councils will start losing control of available finances. SHDC is therefore making some decisions about funding allocation in September based on local priorities.  It was noted that the Prime Minister had suggested at  PMQs that there may be a review of the proposals made for Devon. The d.cllr is sceptical of a unitary authority for rural Devon on economic grounds.  SHDC has delegated the decision on going forward to a Judicial Review to Devon County Council (DCC).  The County Council is yet to decide.
4.1.2 Amazen 100 business are now on board on this ‘buy local’ project. A soft launch is expected at the end of September before going live to the public in November in time for the run up to Christmas. The d.cllr is optimistic that the project will have positive benefits for the local economy.
4.1.3 South West Water (SWW) spills The d.cllr has made research revealing the number and duration of spills across the South West region available on a website.  The data shows the fragility of the current network.  Even during months where there was no rain and therefore there should not be any active overflows, there was an average of 40 spills per day across the South West.  Where there is rain, this number increases significantly. The d.cllr is being proactive in pushing this issue forward, working with Friends of the Dart.  A weblink sharing these statistics will be forwarded.
4.2 Devon County Council (DCC) councillor
4.2.1 LGR It was reported that the joint committees being set up to shape the development of the four proposed new unitary authorities will be operational by November. Committees will have representation from DCC, current district councils and the current existing unitary authorities where appropriate.  The possibility of DCC pursing a judicial review into The Government’s decision was noted.  It was commented that a judicial review challenges the way that a decision has been made. Even if successful, the same decision could be taken.  The c.cllr commented that this particular decision was so egregious and fell short in so many ways that it is worthy of challenge.  A Pre-Action letter outlining the case was drafted, to which The Government has not yet responded.  Once DCC has received the response and legal advice, the cabinet will then make its decision on whether to move forward or not.  Cllrs asked questions about population sizes of the four proposed unitary authorities, economic centres and financial viability.  The c.cllr replied that initial calculations have shown that two of the urban unitaries would have the most significant financial challenges.    It was also commented that it is not clear how the 3-year funding settlement given last year would be distributed amongst the new unitaries. When asked what proportion of local authority revenue is received from Central Government compared to what is earned locally, the c.cllr answered that council tax and business rates is by far the biggest source of revenue for local authorities, with very little funding from Central Government.
4.2.2 Children’s Services It is expected that the latest monitoring report for Children’s Services will be published soon. DCC has been rated ‘inadequate’ for a decade and is hoping for more positive news when the report is published.  There is still work to do in relation to provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).  The Council is looking to bring this in house, by bringing inclusion hubs into schools where decisions can be made more locally rather than seeking services out of county.
4.2.3 Highways DCC has increased the money spent on roads, hoping that those improvements will become increasingly more visible. Data shows that DCC has halved the pothole backlog.
5. Financial Matters
5.1 Update from the Finance Working Group Meeting Notes from the meeting were circulated. It was reported that although still early in the year,  there are no issues of of concern on income or expenditure.  The Working Group (WG) had agreed a reserves policy for consideration for Full Council (see item 5.2.2) and system to share authorisations between different WG members.  Since the meeting it has been learned that the Dittisham Village Hall Management Committee (DVHMC) wishes to move forward with the replacement of the village hall’s roof, and will have a survey done prior to developing a planning application. Any future funding would likely go towards that work.
5.2 Consideration of recommendations of the Finance Working Group
5.2.1 Letter to St George’s Church Treasurer It was RESOLVED that Cllr Unitt, as chair of the Finance WG, make personal contact with the incoming treasurer to advise that the Parish Council’s grant policy requests that significant grant applications from public funds via the Parish Council are received by 15 November, and that if the Parochial Church Council (PCC) wishes to apply for a grant in the 2027/28 financial year, the Parish Council would find it useful if the PCC responded to some specific queries to help establish policy criteria of “need”.
5.2.2 Parish Council Reserves Policy It was RESOLVED to adopt the policy as recommended by the working group. This included clause 2.1 on setting the Parish Council’s level of general reserves: “With an NRE of approximately £65,000 Dittisham Parish Council aims to hold 6 months’ worth of this in its general reserve; approximately £32,500. This is also compatible with the Parish’s high dependency on its car park income.”
5.3 Receipts and Payments between meetings
The following receipts were noted:
– 21/07/2026 Refund from HMRC on VAT penalty = £68.40 no VAT
– 21/07/2026 Invoice 29 Private Ham Hire Thurs 8 July –  Mon 12 July 2027 for wedding on Sat 10 July 2027 at 1666.67 plus 208.33 VAT = £1,875.00
– 24/07/2026 Invoice 28 2025/26 Q4 SHDC Car Park Receipts 2025/26 at 3385.75 plus 677.15 VAT = £4062.90
– 07/08/2026 Invoice 32 2026/27 Q1 SHDC Car Park Receipts at 15,040.50 plus 3,008.10 VAT = £18048.60
– 11/08/2026 Invoice 31 2026/27 Annual Grant GEN – Public rights of way – OOS (0%) Parish Paths Partnership Devon County Council = £180
– 25/08/2026 Invoice 33 Private Ham Hire Thurs 10 June – Sun 13 June 2027 for wedding on Sat 12 June 2027 at 1,333.3 plus 166.67 VAT = £1,500.00
It was RESOLVED to place income from Ham events booked for 2027 into an earmarked reserve until events have taken place, in case of cancellation.
The following payments between meetings were noted:
– Payment 2606_14 Bank fee Lloyds Bank =£4.25 No VAT
– Payment 2607_15 to Bartons Solicitors payment on account to progress the Options Agreement (Proforma, not VAT invoice) = £1000
– Payment 2607_16 to Nest Pensions for Pension contributions on clerk’s July salary = £39.61 no VAT
– Payment 2607_17 to CRadford clerk salary July (Month 4) = £887.81 no VAT
– Payment 2607_18 to HMRC for Tax/NI on Clerk’s July Salary = £275.76 no VAT
– Payment 2607_19 to MHurrell for monthly car park checks and banking takings (Jul) = £150 no VAT
– Payment 2607_20 to HMRC for Q1 VAT return = £804.80
– Payment 2607_21 to Geoxphere Ltd Invoice: #18UG018-0009 Parish Online – Mapping Software (per Year) at £40 plus £8 VAT = £48
– Payment 2607_22 to The Community Heartbeat Trust for Village Emergency Telephone System Yr 3 01/07/2026-01/07/2027 Node 5284 5285 8355 at £100 plus £20 VAT = £120
– Payment 2607_23 to South Hams District Council Invoice 22406654 for cashless processing fees for 1st April 2026 to 30th June 2026 for The Level and The Ham car parks at £702.82 plus £140.56 VAT = £843.38
– Payment 2606_24 Bank fee Lloyds Bank =£4.25 No VAT
5.4 September Payments It was RESOLVED to make the following payments:
– 2609_1 to Nest Pensions for pension contributions on clerk’s Aug salary: Employers contribution @ 17.09 and Employee contribution @ 22.78 = £39.87 No VAT
– 2609_2 to C Radford for clerk salary Aug (Month 5) = £1089.61 no VAT
– 2609_3 to HMRC for Tax/NI on clerk’s Aug salary = £73.96 no VAT
– 2609_4 to MHurrell for car ark attendant monthly car park checks and banking takings (Aug) = £150 no VAT
– 2609_5 to RNeale for reimbursement: JottaCloud backup services Monthly renewal July and Aug at 12EUR per month £10.28 & £10.30 and Lebara mobile phone monthly renewal Jul and Aug at £4.90 per month. = £30.38 no VAT
– 2609_6 to RBond, reimbursement: HP Instant Ink subscription (Jul & Aug) at 48 plus 1.50 VAT = £8.98
– 2609_7 to CRadford for reimbursement: Passpack = £86 No VAT
– 2609_8 to ARCCAS for Invoice 410 Monthly grounds maintenance invoice 5 of 10 at 430 plus 86.00 VAT = £516.00
– 2609_9 to ARCCAS for Invoice 447 Monthly grounds maintenance invoice 6 of 10 at 430 plus 86.00 VAT = £516.00
– 2609_10 to Trace Design Consultants for Invoice H1487 Project No: 4718 / Site: Dittisham Graveyard & Car Park: Progression of preliminary design for the vehicular and pedestrian access points (Partial month end invoice at 31 Jul 2027) at 1945 plus 389 VAT= £2,334.00
– 2609_11 to The Community Heartbeat Trust for Proforma 22449. Rescue Ready Support Yr 3 01/08/2026-01/08/2027 Node 8355) was annual support now rescue ready plan) at 165 plus 33 VAT = £198
Payments to be first authorised by cllr Pope and cllr Unitt.
5.5 2026/27 Pay Award Consider new agreed pay rates for Local Government Services, applicable from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. It was RESOLVED to increase the Clerk’s salary according to the new agreed pay scales for 26/27: LC2 spine point 23 increases from 17.85 to 18.44 per hour and backdated to 1 April 2026.
6. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions To note the following:
6.1 1587/26/ARC Lauriston, Riverside Road, Dittisham Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 3 (CMP), 6 (Sustainable Drainage Option) ,7 (Landscape Plan), 9 (Facing / Roofing Materials), 10 (Joinery), 11 (External Attachments) and 16 (External Lighting) of planning consent 0673/24/FUL SPLIT DECISION PART APPROVED/PART REFUSED
6.2 1615/26/VAR Twenty Fathoms, Higher Street, Dittisham Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of Planning Consent 1915/25/HHO APPROVED
6.3 2026/26/COM Near Greenslades Higher Street Dittisham Notice of intent to install electronic communication apparatus comprising three light wooden poles 10 metres high (Ref: WH5GC88Y) DECISION MADE
7. New Planning Applications to consider a recommendation to the planning authority on the following applications:
7.1 1782/26/HHO Soundings, Riverside Road, Dittisham Householder application for extension and alterations to existing dwelling. There was discussion during which cllrs asked questions of the applicant, and considered letters of objection as received from residents. It was RESOLVED to OBJECT to the application on the grounds of scale, massing, views from the Dart, views from The Ham, impact on the National Landscape and proximity to the conservation areas. Whilst the design is clearly enhanced, and the Parish Council commends the applicant in retaining the existing building in terms of the impact of the reduced carbon footprint, it remains out of context with the vernacular of the other buildings’ scale and massing on the road and within the parish.
8. Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups, Parish Projects and External Forums
8.1 Neighbourhood Plan update It was commented that a preliminary draft is on paper, which is a significant step forward. The Steering Group will review this draft at the next meeting in September, and expecting to bring to the Parish Council for comment in November ahead of a public meeting between then and the spring. Having met with a local landowner currently involved in a pre-planning process, the landowners’ views on development appear to be in alignment with the emerging Neighbourhood Plan.  It was noted that a full planning application might come forward in coming months, at which it was generally agreed that a single item EGM should be called to enable community engagement.
8.2 Maintenance Working Group update A report had been circulated noting that the contractor had undertaken repairs to The Ham Wall, to the wall adjacent to the sailing club, had reset the stone on the wall adjacent to footpath 14, rebuilt the step at footpath 17, repaired bench 5 and bus shelter seating. The WG is pleased with the quality of workmanship. Cutting of the grass at The Ham was suspended from mid-July.  Now it is greening up cutting will resume.  The Ham Triangle and the Old Chapel Burial Ground were strimmed early due to dry conditions.  The owner of The Platt has covered up an exposed pip end at footpath 1/14. that the post at The Ham has been struck again and may need realigning.  Cllrs reported that a hole has appeared on the Level footpath.  A cone will be placed on this until it can be filled.
8.3 Car Park/Burial Ground Project
8.3.1 Update
– The monthly report from the project managers advised the Parish Council that the Option Agreement was received from the landowners’ solicitor in August and a draft presented to the Parish Council for approval. Following the approval of the fees budget for Trace Design at the July meeting, a preliminary highways layout drawing was produced which has been submitted to the DCC Highways engineer for feedback, before proceeding with a Planning Pre-Application. The invoice H1487 received from Trace Design is within the approved budget and the project managers request payment.
– The clerk has been in receipt of advice from a VAT advisor on managing the financial elements of the project and treatment of VAT on invoices received and on the passing of VAT onto other partners in the project. Once clarifications have been made, the clerk will advise the project manager, who will inform other partners.
8.3.2 Option Agreement To consider draft Option Agreement as received from solicitors It was RESOLVED to receive some advice on the wording of the Option Agreement and to hold an EGM to review that advice before responding to the solicitors on any changes required to the Option Agreement.
8.4 Use of the Ham
8.4.1 Guide and application process It was RESOLVED to adopt the updated ‘Use of the Ham, A guide’ document, along with updated application form, Ham Map, Risk Assessment Template and Waste Management Plan form.
8.4.2 Camping permits Consider merit of suggestion for adoption of camping permits, within context of current policies. It was agreed to monitor the situation and, should ham hire applicants include camping, this should be included in their application and considered via the application process.
8.5 National Emergency Film Due to the film having already been screened at several other local venues, it has been decided not to host a screening in Dittisham.
8.6 Parish Emergency Plan Working Group The working group will meet to agree a mechanism to check the emergency telephone number, following reports that it has not been working properly.
9. Clerk’s update
– Parish Paths Partnership Grant The 2026/27 grant request has been submitted and processed.  Waymarker discs will be posted once Devon County Council has replenished its stocks.
– South West Water (SWW) Trial Hole Survey SWW required access to The Ham on 14 July for a trial hole survey to support a scheme to reduce the use of storm overflows by taking storm water out of the sewerage network. The trial hole was dug in order to confirm the diameter of the pipe, and to ensure current records on its location are correct. The surveying team needed to return on 5 August to carry out another trial hole as they weren’t able to locate the main sewer in the first survey.
– Letter of Support to Friends of the Dart A letter was drafted by the Clerk in support of a grant application being made by Friends of the Dart for funding for the River Guardians programme. The letter drew on matters discussed at July’s meeting, where the Parish Council agreed to work in co-operation with Friends of the Dart.
– Devon County Highways matters:
— Hedge Cutting The Clerk had been approached by two residents, one with a complaint about a hedge on the route from Dittisham to Brambletor that, in their view, needed to be cut back for safety reasons, and another from a hedge owner with a complaint that their hedge had been badly cut without being advised in advance, asking if the Parish Council had contracted this work. Highways confirmed that these hedges had been cut as part of DCC’s cyclic maintenance programme to ensure that visibility on bends, sightlines, and the approaches to warning signs are kept clear, in line with safety policy. DCC does not have definitive information on individual hedge ownership, and in many cases landowners delay cutting until later in the summer due to bird‑nesting considerations. For safety reasons, DCC carry out these essential visibility cuts earlier in the season.
— 20mph and SLOW markings In response to the Parish Council’s request that the 20mph and SLOW markings were refreshed in Dittisham and Capton, DCC Highways has advised the Clerk that these markings are usually renewed under a Parish Remark Programme. Following receipt of the Parish Council’s request Dittisham Parish (including Capton) has been added to the county wide list. The Officer is unable to advise when this work might be undertaken as, due to costs, only a few parishes in the County get their lining refreshed each year.  The route from Brambletor to Higher Street is due to be patched shortly in preparation for surface dressing next year.  The Neighbourhood Highways Officer has requested the Surface Dressing is not carried through Higher Street as this is more a residential area.  If there are markings within the Higher Street site, then the Officer will ask if they can be remarked when the patching is completed.
– Landing light repairs The repair due in mid-August has been delayed until a bespoke bracket can be manufactured.
– Bin Emptying It was reported to SHDC that bins on The Ham had not been emptied as per the summer agreement. The depot supervisor was reminded of the request to increase collections over the summer.
– Payroll arrangements Due to a change in HMRC requirements, the Parish Council’s PAYE scheme has now been formally registered as an authorized client on South Hams District Council’s HMRC Agent Account.
10. Dittisham Boat Park Update on developments in tidying the area The owner of the Soundings was present at the meeting and able to confirm that he had cleared a line of boats that were in brambles and erected a fence to prevent boats returning to the same line.  He will continue to take actions to make the area secure whilst the Harbour Authority is yet to undertake agreed actions to administer the area and produce a Memorandum of Agreement.  It was noted that the Harbourmaster had recently responded to emailed correspondence.  The Chair will follow this up.
11. Bonfires and how to stop them It was RESOLVED to carry forward consideration of draft guidelines to the next meeting.
12. Parish Lengthsman Contract No applications had been received. The item was carried forward.
13. Correspondence and Contacts to note or consider
To note:
– Temporary Traffic Order – BRUCKTON COPSE TO ASHPLAT COPSE, Dittisham (TTRO2670729) Cllrs were informed that a road closure notice will be in place between 28 Sept to 9 Oct 2026 between the hours of 08:00 to 18:00, to enable tree cutting, pole installation, cabling and splicing by Airband. A signed diversion will be in place.
– DALC LGR bulletin #5 Cllrs were advised this bulletin includes a link to Central Government’s Announcement Local Government Reorganisation in 13 areas across England. The announcement relevant to Devon, Plymouth and Torbay follows: “11 councils being reorganised into 4 unitaries. This will align boundaries with economic geography to unlock housing and infrastructure growth, supporting Plymouth’s defence sector and Exeter’s expansion as key urban engines”.
– Government confirms four unitary council model for Devon A newsletter from Devon County Council provides a link to a statement made by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with the following reference to the preferred option for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay: “Four unitary proposal submitted by Exeter City Council and Plymouth City Council. I will exercise the power to modify the proposal to achieve the boundary change Exeter City Council and Plymouth City Council requested alongside the proposal”. The Bulletin notes that Government’s announcement marks the next stage in the reorganisation process. Work will now continue nationally and locally to develop detailed implementation plans, and the arrangements required to establish the new authorities. Devon County Council will work with partners, stakeholders and government to support the transition process.
– Riverside Road Tree Report Cllrs were informed that the Tree Officer visited Riverside Road on 9 July in response to resident concern raised. Inspection of a semi mature copper Beech located on HMPE highways verge next to Dittisham FC recommends crown lift to 2.5m on the roadside/ track leading into the football club to allow for correct highways clearance on the roadside and footpath side.  Works will be scheduled within 6 months of the inspection date.  In addition, overgrown brambles adjacent to the Ham Lane junction were reported 15 Jul, and notification received that this has been passed on to SHDCs contractor for cutting back. Cllrs installed cones to prevent car parking 11 – 14 Aug until works were completed.  To maintain the visibility for vehicles going to and coming from the Ham 3 cones have been put out re parking by junction with notices that quote from the Highway Code: “You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road […] Opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space”.
– An update on Local Government Reorganisation in Devon A bulletin from SHDC advises on The Government’s announcement on plans for LGR, noting that the preferred option will result in a substantial part of the South Hams incorporated into Plymouth (in the West), Torbay (in the East) with the remainder of the district incorporated into the new Devon Coast and Countryside council. A quote from the Council Leader comments on the Government’s “failure to understand or appreciate the needs of Devon’s rural towns and villages or our coastal communities” and criticises the Government’s “flawed obsession with economic growth solely in urban areas, it demonstrates a lack of understanding for what matters for our residents and businesses, and what will actually support growth and prosperity for our area”.  The District Council’s priority is to ensure a smooth, well-managed transition that protects essential services.
– Scoping Consultation: South Hams and West Devon Joint Local Plan Cllrs were advised that the Councils are seeking views on: the vision and objectives for the new Joint Local Plan; the key issues for the new Joint Local Plan to address; and, how the Councils should engage with people throughout the plan-making process. The best way to read and respond to the local plan scoping consultation is on the council’s online consultation platform ‘Commonplace.’ (HTML)Representations must be received by the Councils by 11.59pm on Thursday 24 September 2026.
– Temporary Traffic Notice – HIGHER STREET, Dittisham (TTRO2771089) Cllrs were informed of a road closure notice between 13 – 15 April 2027 to enable a water meter installation. A signed diversion will be in place.
– #34 2026 e-bulletin Cllrs were informed that the senior responsible officer and deputy senior responsible officer for local government reorganisation in Devon will provide an update on the reorganisation programme at DALC’s annual conference on 7 Oct. The bulletin also advises that the Revised National Planning Policy Framework has been delayed until September.
– TAPs update – LGR in Devon Cllrs were informed via a Town and Parish Council update from SHDC that the Senior Responsible Officer for Devon has developed new warding arrangements for the 4 new unitary authority areas on the request of Central Government. These are interim/temporary warding arrangements to intended to enable safe, lawful and deliverable elections for the new shadow authorities in May 2027.  A presentation providing a full update on the details is available here (HTML).  The decision to accept these rests with the Secretary of State who will set out the final arrangements as part the draft Structural Change Order, expected in the autumn.
– The Ham (toilets) The Parish Council has received a complaint about the lack of cleanliness of the toilet facilities at The Ham. The Clerk has requested an update on the cleaning cycle from SHDC.  It was noted that Cllrs Neale reported a broken toilet seat and dirty toilet area in the ladies on 14 Aug (ref. RI33432) alongside a call to SHDC to request same day cleaning.  Cleaning was undertaken 15 Aug and seat replaced by 25 Aug.
– DALC e-bulletin #37 2026 This bulletin provides further information on interim warding arrangements for Devon, providing links to DCC Cabinet papers for the special meeting of the Cabinet on 14 Aug 2026 ,(HTML), and a YouTube recording of the meeting here (HTML).
– Replacement for the Parish Magazine Cllrs were advised that DVHMC is being helped to set up a version of the ‘Hear From the Halls’ email newsletter, as used in Cornworthy. The plan is for it to be monthly for Dittisham, with a quarterly newsletter that will include Cornworthy events (and vice versa). The main focus will be events in the village hall but DVHMC will be happy to include other one-off events in the village.  The aim is to produce the first for circulation in September which will probably be an introductory breakdown of the organisations and events that happen in the village hall such as bowling, WI, bridge etc with contact details to join or for information.  The Parish Council is invited to forward any parish council events that are open to the public for future monthly editions.
To consider:
– 20260707 All Town & Parish Council Briefing: Planning Decision-Making Process Cllrs are informed of an online meeting via MS Teams at 5pm on 24 Sept to provide information on changes Central Government is making to how planning applications will be determined, with the objective to ‘introduce greater clarity and consistency in the role of planning committees in Development Management (DM) decision-taking’. Cllr Golding and Taylor requested the meeting link.
– Promoting external links on the Parish Council Website The Parish Council has received two similar items of correspondence requesting information dissemination. It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council not provide links to external websites from its own website.
14. Next Meeting It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held at 7pm on Weds 7 October 2026.

Minutes EGM 20 May 2026

May 29, 2026 | Minutes

Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council
Wednesday 20 May 2026 at 6:30pm, Dittisham Village Hall

Present: Parish Cllrs Bond (Chair), J Green, Neale, Pope, Unitt & Taylor were present, as was C Radford (Clerk). 2 members of the public
Apologies: Cllrs Golding, Hawkes

Public Forum No issues raised.

1. Apologies were received as above
2. Declaration of Interests No interests were declared on items on the agenda.
3. Ham Events: ITERA Expedition Adventure Race 19 -20 July 2026 To consider the hire request received. A briefing note had been circulated in advance of the meeting to provide cllrs with additional information in response to queries about management of the event. It was noted that the organisers would require exclusive use of the car park from the evening of Saturday 18 to approx.. 10am on Sunday 19. To achieve this aim the Ham carpark would need to be cordoned off 2/3 days prior to the event to allow cars parked to be moved.  The estimated cost of the exclusive use of the car park, based on 20 spaces over 3 days at £6.50 per day would be £390.  The budget offered by the potential hirer was £200.  It was commented that the car park is in high public demand in the first weekend of the school holidays.  Heras fencing would need to be hired and erected to ensure the carpark area was secured.

Following discussion it was RESOLVED to refuse the hire request.

Meeting closed at 6:44pm

Minutes 2026 May 6

May 12, 2026 | Minutes

Minutes of the monthly meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in
Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 6 May 2026 at 7:30pm

Present: Parish Cllrs Bond (Chair), Golding, J Green, Neale, Pope, Unitt & Taylor were present, as was C Radford (Clerk). D.Cllr McKay and C.Cllr Rake was present for part of the meeting. No members of the public attended.
Apologies: Cllr Hawkes.

Public Forum No members of the public were present and no issues were raised.

1. Apologies were received as above.
2. Declaration of Interests Cllrs declared an interest in the following items: Cllr Neale on item 5.6 payment 2605_5.  Cllr Bond on item 5.6 payment 2605_9.
3. Approval of Minutes It was RESOLVED to approve of the minutes of monthly meeting held on April 1 2026 as an accurate record, without amendments.
4. Community Reports The following reports were received:
4.1 South Hams District Council Councillor (D.Cllr)
– Planning and changes in the National Planning Policy Framework. From September, all planning will be mostly determined by planning officers.  Given the new rules, there will only be a small number of plans that will be determined by the Development Management Committee.  If the determination is refused, it will immediately be referred to a Planning Inspector.  The D.Cllr considers this a total undermining of local democracy.  The consultation process will otherwise remain the same.  Cllrs will seek to work closely with Officers to share local information prior to determination.
– Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) It is expected that the Government will make a decision in early July.
– Local Plan The District Council has just launched a process to develop a new Local Plan. There are good reasons to do that despite the context of Local Government Reorganisation.  A Local Plan will be an evidence led defence of the Council’s position to its lack of ability to fulfil Government imposed housing targets through supply constraints.
– Leisure Centres The Council has found a new supplier to manage the leisure centres without a disruption to services to the public. The debt left by the previous operator has had to be met by District Council funds.
– National Emergency Briefing film The District Council is organising screenings of the film made for the National Emergency Briefing about the impact of Climate Change. Parish Councils are encouraged to also host screenings, with an introduction and an opportunity for discussion afterwards. Cllrs were interested in attending a screening in Ivybridge.
– Locality Fund The District Councillor invited applications to the Locality Fund.
4.2 Devon County Council Councillor (C.Cllr)
– End of Financial Year It was reported that the outturn at the end of the Financial Year has not been announced, but is expected to be positive news, with an underspend that can be reallocated in the upcoming year.
– LGR Whilst awaiting the Government’s decision, councils have been invited to prepare for structural change orders, should their preferred Unitary Authority option be the one chosen.
5. Financial Matters
5.1 Update from the Finance Working Group Meeting It was reported that the year-end position was positive, with greater funds in the account than expected, due to calculations excluding VAT.  It was noted that the budget is not under any threat, and the Parish Council can afford to give a grant to the shop.  It was reported that the working group had reviewed the bank reconciliation, which was signed.  All paperwork compiled for the Annual Audit had also been reviewed.
5.2 Consideration of recommendations of the Finance Working Group Following consideration:
5.2.1 West Dart Bus Grant It was RESOLVED to award a grant of £300 to the West Dart Bus, allocated from the ‘Grants Other’ line in the budget.
5.2.2 Dittisham Village Stores Grant
– It was RESOLVED to accept the recommendation that the Parish Council give a grant of £5000 to Dittisham Village Stores to purchase a specific item, or items, such as a fridge or freezer. It was agreed to propose that the Village Stores should identify what item will be purchased by the grant, according to their priority list.
– It was RESOLVED that to afford the grant, the Parish Council accept the working group’s recommendation to that £1000 of the ‘Sick Leave’ earmarked reserve be transferred to the General Reserve. The £5000 grant payment should be coded to ‘Grant Other’ with the budget overspend being met by the General Reserve.
– It was RESOLVED to confirm the grant offer immediately and make the grant to the new account associated to the Community Shop.
5.2.3 Car Park/Burial Ground Costs It was RESOLVED to accept the Working Group’s recommendations that:
– the predicted commitment of £2000 is met by the ‘Professional Legal Fees’ earmarked reserve. If costs to the Parish Council increase from £2000 to the worst position of £4000, to allocate funds from the ‘Parish Infrastructure’ earmarked reserve.
– the Parish Council pays the bills received and to request contributions the other parties for their share on a quarterly basis.
– the Parish Council should have sight of estimates/quotes obtained for services before supplier invoices are issued and before they are paid.
– a letter is written to the Project Managers detailing the points above, and that the Project Managers make the formal agreement on this process with all other parties.
5.2.4 Clerk’s Hours It was RESOLVED that the Clerk can carry over the 17.5 hours of TOIL and 8 hours of unspent holiday (equating to 10% of the annual holiday allowance) into the next financial year.
5.3 Receipts and Payments between meetings  it was noted that:
– Payment 2604_15 to Dittisham Village Hall for the 2026/7 grant as approved in March 2026 = £4000 no VAT.
– Payment 2604_16 Lloyds bank fee = £4.25
5.4 May Payments It was RESOLVED to authorise the following payments:
– Payment 2605_1 Nest Pensions for Pension contributions on Clerk’s Apr Salary = £39.61 no VAT
– Payment 2605_2 to CRadford Apr Clerk Salary (month 1) = £888.01 no VAT
– Payment 2605_3 to HMRC for Tax and NI on Clerk’s Apr Salary = £275.56 no VAT
– Payment 2605_4 to MHurrell for monthly car park checks and banking takings (Apr) = £150 no VAT
– Payment 2605_5 to RNeale for reimbursement: JottaCloud backup services Monthly renewal Apr at 12EUR per month (£10.41) and Lebara mobile phone monthly renewal Mar at £4.08 plus 82p VAT per month. = £15.31
– Payment 2605_6 to CRadford: Reimbursement for purchase of 20s Plenty Wheelie Bin stickers= £150 no VAT
– Payment 2605_7 to Community Heart Beat Trust for Annual support cost: Annual Support Cost Zoll AED3 Year 8 (min 5 years) 01/08/2026-01/08/2027 Node 5284 at £165 and 25/04/2026-25/04/2027 Node 5285 at £165 plus £66 VAT= £396
– Payment 2605_8 to Devon Association of Local Councils (DALC) invoice 7614 for attendance of Mike Taylor at the Being a Good Councillor 4 webinar at £15 plus £3 VAT = £18.00
– Payment 2605_9 to RBond for reimbursement: HP Instant Ink at £3.74 plus £0.75 VAT = £4.49
– Payment 2605_10 to Coast to Coast Surveying (SW) LTD INV-0361 for the undertaking of a Topographical Survey at Land West of The Park House, Dittisham on 7th April, issued 13th April 2026 at £650 plus £130 VAT= £780
– Payment 2605_11 to ARCCAS inv 287 for Monthly grounds maintenance invoice 2 of 10 at £430 plus £86 VAT = £516
– Payment 2604_12 to HMRC for Quarter 4 VAT return for period 1 Jan – 31 Mar 2026 at 4,370.60, plus uncollected interest on late VAT payment at £8.66 = £4379.26
– Payment 2604_13 to JHodge for the completion of jobs 2) Posts 3) Bench 5) Guttering = £630.00 no VAT
– Payment 2605_14 to Devon Association of Local Councils (DALC) Attendance of Mike Taylor at the Introduction to Planning webinar at £35 plus £7 VAT = £42.00
– Payment 2605_15 to West Dart Bus/Ivybridge and District for 2026/27 grant = £300 no VAT
– Payment 2605_16 to Dittisham Village Store Limited for 2026/27 grant = £5000 no VAT
5.5 Laptop Purchase It was RESOLVED that Clerk will bring quotes back to the Parish Council for consideration.
6. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions To note the following:
6.1 0745/26/ARC Meadow View, The Level, Dittisham Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 4 (Doors/Windows) & 5 (Cladding) of planning consent 2659/25/HHO APPROVED
6.2 0698/26/ARC Meadow View, The Level, Dittisham Application for approval of details reserved by condition 5 (Doors/Windows) of planning consent 2651/25/LBC APPROVED
7. New Planning Applications to consider a recommendation to the planning authority on the following applications:
7.1 0700/26/CLP 2 Meadow Cottages The Level Dittisham, Certificate of lawfulness for proposed conversion of two flats into a single dwelling. It was noted that this application had already been decided, and had been APPROVED.
7.2 0954/26/CLB Quicks Cottage Lower Street Dittisham Certificate of lawfulness for proposed installation of EV Charger in Garage. It was RESOLVED TO SUPPORT the application.
8. Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups, Parish Projects and External Forums
8.1 Neighbourhood Plan It was reported that the Steering Group will deliver a session about the progress of the Neighbourhood Plan at the Annual Parish Meeting. The main issue will be on whether more sites for housing will be needed.
8.2 Maintenance Working Group It was reported that the contractor has undertaken three of the jobs quoted for: new posts, benches and guttering.   The benches will need further maintenance in the future, due to the condition of the bolts.  The Working Group is meeting again in May, at which a list of further jobs will be compiled.
8.3 Car Park/Burial Ground Project The Project Manager’s report was included in papers. A site meeting is being held on 13 May, to which Cllr Pope will attend as a representative of the Parish Council.  A number of quotations had been forwarded and it was agreed that invoices received that matched these quotations could be paid by the Clerk between meetings:
– Trace Design Consultations Limited: Assess and Car Park Design: Fee proposal for Highway and Transport Advice to support Pre-App process on land at Dittisham = £855.55 plus disbursements plus VAT.  It was noted in the Project Manager’s report that the meeting scheduled for 13 May will incur a cost of £375 plus travel @ 45p per mile plus VAT v for the attendance of one of the Trace consultants.  Meetings were not included as part of the £885 fee quote.  Going forward meetings will be kept to a minimum.
– Rathbone Partnership: Appointment of Landscape Architect for Dittisham Hill Car Park and Graveyard: Lump sum fee for completing a sketch landscape design and assessment:  A fee of £1800 plus expenses plus VAT.  Any further meetings will be charged at daily rate (£100 per hour/£800 per day) plus expenses plus VAT It was noted that expenses were not included in this quotation.
– Luscombe Maye: Assist and lead application on Ditttisham Parish Graveyard site.  Fee for initial phase confirmed as no greater than £1000 plus VAT
8.4 Ham Events Working Group
– Ham Hire policy and information pack To consider approval of the updated documents (Work in Progress). The document as circulated was approved by the Parish Council, noting that further work is required on the Terms and Conditions, to ensure that there is no conflict between the Policy and the Terms and Conditions.  It was agreed to include wording about use of glassware on The Ham.  It was agreed that this was a much more user friendly document for applicants.
– Ham Hire Applications To consider approval of applications made for hire
— ITERA Expedition Adventure Race 19 -20 July 2026. It was agreed that there was not sufficient information available in the application in order for the Parish Council to make a decision. Cllrs were concerned about potential disruption through the night and making a large part of the carpark available during the school holidays.  ACTION:  Cllr N Green to have a telephone conversation with the applicant for further details, and to discuss the fee.   It was agreed that an extraordinary meeting could be held on the 20 May 2026 to consider any new information received.
— Dittisham Regatta Sports Day 8 – 9 August 2026. The Clerk had reviewed updated risk assessment documents and discussed traffic management and insurance arrangements with the applicant. It was RESOLVED to APPROVE the hire request.
— Sargeant Wedding 10 – 13 June 2027 Having reviewed the application it was RESOLVED to APPROVE the hire request and set a fee of £1000 and a 50% damage deposit of £500.
—  Campbell Wedding 7 – 12 July 2027 It was RESOLVED to feedback to the applicant that hire period can only be for a maximum of 5 days and that the Parish Council cannot give exclusive use of the public car park. It was agreed to advise the applicant of the 10m wide zone by the river to enable public access and to suggest mitigation measures in relation to the risk of the reception being near the riverbank.  Should the hire period be reduced to 5 days, a fee of £1250 would be set, with a 50% damage deposit of £625.
9. Clerk’s update No update.
10. Parish Paths Partnership (P3) Cllrs were updated on the changes to process. The first draft of the documents required by Devon County Council have been produced.   A meeting with the P3 working group will be arranged to make a recommendation to the Parish Council on the works that are required.  It was RESOLVED to report all the signs that need replacement to Devon County Council via the ‘Report a Problem’ webpages.
11. Policy Audit The policy audit provided by the Clerk was considered. It was RESOLVED to review the 2022 proposed Climate Policy and 2021 PO Approved Herbicides and Pesticides policy at the next meeting.  It was agreed that the Personnel Committee consider implementation disciplinary and grievance arrangements through adoption of a policy, and an antibullying and harassment policy be considered.  ACTION: Cllr N.Green agreed to support production of a Tree Management Policy in September.
12. Parish Lengthsman Brief This was carried forward to a future meeting.
13. Annual Parish Meeting It was confirmed that the event will take place from 7pm on Wednesday 20 May 2026. The agenda will include a Chair’s report ‘Looking Back, Looking Forwards’; a brief summary of Parish Council finances (Cllr Unitt); an update on the Neighbourhood Plan (Cllr Pope) with the opportunity for general conversation and questions. ACTION: Cllrs Bond, Unitt and Pope to prepare their respective updates.  ACTION: Cllrs Golding and Neale to make arrangements for refreshments.
14. Correspondence and Contacts to note or consider
To note
– The DARTY Work … Someone’s got to to do it! Cllrs were informed that a team cleaned the 3 mile forshore from Dittisham around to Mill Creek on Sunday 20 March, with South Hams District Council disposing of the bags of rubbish collected.  Another litter pick will be arranged in the autumn. It was RESOLVED the Parish Council send a letter of thanks.
– Minutes of the Meeting of the South Devon National Partnership Cllrs are informed that the minutes of the meeting held on 13 March 2026 have been received and can be forwarded on request.
– Footpath No. 7, Dittisham – Confirmation Cllrs are informed that the order has been confirmed to divert public Footpath No.7, Dittisham from A – B , to a new line A – C – B – D from the county road north east of Capton Cross, running north north west along a hedge of Little Capton, formerly Homelea, and then west north west across a paddock exiting through a gate, turning west over the highway verge to join the county road to Capton Village.  The order came into effect on 17 April 2026.  A map can be viewed on the Order Plan  CCET/PROW/25/61 online devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay.
– DALC #21 E Bulletin Cllrs are informed that this bulletin includes a link to a recording of the recent Connect Event about ‘clustering’. The session brought together examples from councils already working collaboratively, highlighting how clusters can take many different forms – from small, informal groups to larger networks involving councillors, clerks and officers.  A link to the recording is available from the DALC website
To consider:
– Parking for the 2026 Bathing Water sampling season The Environment Agency’s Field Monitoring Officer has requested that the arrangement agreed in 2025 by the Parish Council to provide 30 minutes free parking at The Level Car Park whilst undertaking water sampling visits is repeated in 2026. Visits will take place once a week between 15 May – 30 Sept 2026 while water samples are taken from a site off the pontoon.  Vehicle registration plates can be supplied for the period.  It was RESOLVED to approve this request.
– DVH Christmas Show Cllrs are informed that the Village Hall will be in use by the Ditsum Players between 30 November – 6 December 2026 and therefore unavailable for hire. An alternative venue will therefore need to be arranged for the meeting of the Parish Council on 2 December. ACTION: Cllr Bond to make enquiries about the availability of the Sailing Club, otherwise the Parish Council would book Cornworthy Village Hall.
– Meeting to discuss planning policy (Case Ref_ CV21972) Caroline Voaden MP has invited an open meeting with other South Hams Town and Parish Councils to discuss the role of Neighbourhood Plans in Planning Policy. The meeting is called following the MP’s awareness that many Town and Parish Councils are unhappy that the Neighbourhood Plans they worked so hard to put together are being disregarded in planning decisions. The MP’s view is that development should be community-led, and that local authorities are best placed to know what developments are needed in their area, not central government. Each Council is welcome to send a maximum of two representatives, providing names by email ahead of the event.  13:45 – 15:15 on Thursday 11 June 2026 at Halwell and Morleigh Community Hall. No cllrs expressed an interest in attending.
–  Highways Assembly 6 May 10am – 1pm Cllrs were informed that a Microsoft Teams link has been provided for the Highways Assembly. 30 ‘in person’ places are available at the Cary Room, Follaton House, on a first come, first served basis.  The programme includes introduction to positive engagement with Parish Councils, including a new ‘Handbook for Highways’ to help understanding of Highways issues, and opportunity to ask questions, before a session on ‘Financial Constraints and Opportunities’; a session on ‘Busting Highways Myths’, a video-d masterclass on how cold-lay materials can provide a permanent repair by road wardens, a session on ‘The Big Picture’ on how repair and restructuring decisions are made and how road wardens can work alongside County Council teams.  The Handbook has been made available by email and has been circulated to all cllrs by the Clerk.
15. Next Meeting: It was confirmed the next confirm the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Wednesday June 3 2026 at 7:00 pm.

Minutes Annual Meeting of the Parish Council 2026 May 6

May 12, 2026 | Minutes

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council
7pm Wednesday 6 May 2026, Dittisham Village Hall

1. Election of Chair It was RESOLVED to elect Cllr Bond Chair of the Parish Council.
2. Chair’s Signature of Declaration of Acceptance of Office Cllr Bond signed Declaration of Acceptance of Office before the Clerk.
3. Election of Vice-Chair It was RESOLVED to elect Cllr N.Green as Vice Chair of the Parish Council.
4. Apologies for absence It was noted that Cllr Hawkes had given apologies for absence.
5. Declaration of Interests None declared
6. Consideration of the recommendations made by a committee (if any) None
7. Review of delegation arrangements to committees, sub-committees, staff and other local authorities None
8. Review of the terms of reference for committees Confirmation of the Terms of Reference for Personnel Committee and Subcommittee A minor amendment was made to change the date of the annual meeting of the Personnel Committee to September instead of November.
9. Appointment of members to existing committees Confirmation of the appointment of the Members of Personnel Committee and Subcommittee It was RESOLVED that cllrs N.Green, Neale and Pope to be appointed to the Personnel Committee.
10. Appointment of any new committees in accordance with standing order 4 None
11. Review and adoption of appropriate:
11.1 Standing orders Were reviewed with no material amendments made.
11.2 Financial regulations Were reviewed with minor amendments made, including reference to a Finance Working group rather than Committee.
12. Review of arrangements (including legal agreements) with other local authorities, not-for-profit bodies and businesses None.
13. Review of representation on or work with external bodies and arrangements for reporting back It was confirmed that the appointment and the role description of ‘Working Groups & Positions of Responsibility’ document, was approved at the April Meeting of the Parish Council.
14. In an election year, to make arrangements with a view to the Council becoming eligible to exercise the general power of competence in the future;
15. Review of inventory of land and other assets including buildings and office equipment; It was confirmed that the Asset Register at 31/03/25 was approved at the April Meeting of the Parish Council.
16. Confirmation of arrangements for insurance cover in respect of all insurable risks It was noted that the Parish Council had entered into a three-year agreement with Clear Councils/Ecclesiastical Local Councils Policy which ends 2/7/27.
17. Review of the Council’s and/or staff subscriptions to other bodies Includes DALC and SLCC. It was RESOLVED to retain subscriptions of both the Devon Association of Local Councisl (DALC) and Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC).
18. Review of the Council’s complaints procedure Was reviewed. Contact details were updated.
19. Review of the Council’s policies, procedures and practices in respect of its obligations under freedom of information and data protection legislation (see also standing orders 10,19, and 20 ); It was noted that these policies were approved at the April meeting of the Parish Council.
20. Review of the Council’s policy for dealing with the press/media It was noted that procedures were incorporated within the Parish Council’s Communications Policy and Standing Orders. The Communications Policy was reviewed.  The date of the first internal review and references to the Parish Magazine were removed.
21. Review of the Council’s employment policies and procedures NA
22. Review of the Council’s expenditure incurred under s.137 of the Local Government Act 1972 or the general power of competence. In process.
23. Review of matters required by the Annual Audit:
23.1 Review of Statement of Internal Control was reviewed. The limit of expenditure in extreme emergency was update to £2000 in order to agree with limits laid out in the Parsh Council’s Finance Regulations.
23.2 Review of Parish Council Risk Assessment/Risk Register Updates were made to remove some abbreviations, remove reference to trim behind the stream as this is now part of contracted works, refer to ‘Tree Risk Management Policy’ instead of Assessment. Updates were made to section 7: Resources in reference to support and management of the Clerk and the role of the Personnel Committee.
23.3 Receipt of Grants and Proof of Need Summary 2025/6 It was noted that the Clerk had produced a summary of grants given and received for publication on the Parish Council’s website.
23.4 Confirmation of bank signatory arrangements It was noted that Cllrs Bond, J.Green, N.Green, Pope and Unitt are bank signatories with Lloyds Bank. The Clerk has access to the account to set up payments.  Cllrs Pope and Unitt are signatories with NatWest.  The Clerk is noted as an administrative contact.
23.5 Approval of Standing Orders and Direct Debits It was noted that VAT and Nest Pension payments are paid by Direct Debit.
22.6 Finance policies (Investment Strategy and Reserves Policy) It was RESOLVED that the Clerk produce and Investment Strategy and Reserves Policy for consideration by the Finance Working Group before recommended to Full Council.
24. Determining the time and place of ordinary meetings of the Council up to and including the next annual meeting of the Council It was RESOLVED that meetings would continue to take place at 7pm on the first Wednesday of every month except in August, at Dittisham Village Hall.

Meeting was closed at 7:25pm