APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held
in Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 7 September 2022 at 7:00p.m
Present: Cllrs Anderson (Chair). Nightingale (Vice-Chair), Bond, Green, Neale, and Unitt were present, as were A Thom (Clerk), and South Hams District Councillor McKay. There were no members of the public.
Absent
Apologies were received from Councillor Tucker and Devon County Councillor Hawkins. Councillor Lloyd was absent.
Declaration of Councillor’s Interests
Councillor Unitt told the meeting that he would not participate in the item to comment on planning application 2554/22/FUL for Water Edge because his view was predetermined.
Approval of the minutes of the meeting held on 6 July 2022.
It was resolved to approve the minutes.
Public Issues
Energy Efficiency Grants
The form to access ECO Local Flexibility Grant Funding for households with less than £30k annual income via SHDC will be available to installers next week. SHDC has also responded that it is updating its webpage to make it clearer for residents.
Community Reports
South Hams District Council Councillor
Councillor McKay reported that Members will receive a briefing next week about the waste collection service. At present brown bin collections seem to to be the main issue for residents.
Councillor McKay described his efforts to have Baltic Wharf become centre of marine excellence, which might benefit the local economy, in preference to a housing development. He gave his apologies for the October meeting.
Devon County Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of DCC Councillor Hawkins.
SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted:
1355/22/LBC Dunedin Cottage The Quay Dittisham TQ6 0EZ. Listed building consent for new lean to shed to contain replacement electric boiler. Conditional Approval.
1806/22/PDM Barn at Barberry Farm Dittisham TQ6 0JA. Application to determine if prior approval is required for proposed change of use of agricultural buildings to 1No. dwellinghouse (Class C3) and for associated operational development (Class Q (a+b)). Withdrawn.
4130/21/FUL Yew Tree Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Removal of existing single storey rear extension & new 2 storey extension replacement, new veranda, modifications to parking, internal modifications, replacement garage & timber clad outbuilding within rear garden. Withdrawn.
1767/22/FUL Land at Barberry Farm Dittisham TQ6 0JA . Erection of general purpose agricultural building. Conditional Approval.
1732/22/LBC St Annes Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Listed building consent for replacement of external stores door. Conditional Approval.
2181/22/HHO Woodwater Riverside Road Dittisham TQ6 0HS. Householder application for new outbuilding in grounds of existing domestic dwelling. Conditional Approval.
New planning applications
2406/22/LBC Mill Creek Cottage Lower Street Dittisham TQ6 0HY. Listed Building consent for repair works to timber roof structure
No comment has been made by DPC.
2707/22/HHO & 2708/22/LBC Mill Creek Cottage Lower Street Dittisham TQ6 0HY. Householder application & Listed Building consent for new glazed link extension with internal alterations to form ground floor WC.
It was unanimously resolved to Support.
2554/22/FUL Water Edge Lower Street Dittisham TQ6 0HY Change of use of Boathouse to short term holiday let (retrospective).
Cllr Unitt left the meeting.
It was unanimously resolved to Object because it is DPCs view that the use is unacceptable in the location. The reasons remain as in previous comments on related planning applications, including residential amenity and a negative effect on the character of the protected location.
Cllr Unitt returned to the meeting.
Premises licence application for The Spinning Wheel, Hauley Road, Dartmouth, TQ69AA. No comment made. Received during Clerk’s leave.
For information: 2517/22/CLP Kebechan House Capton TQ6 0JE. Certificate of lawfulness for proposed single dormer with Juliette balcony & amendments to fenestration (resubmission of 1104/22/CLP).
For information: 2448/22/CLE Dittisham Landfill Dittisham TQ6 0HP. Certificate of Lawfulness for Existing use of barn for agricultural purposes, storage of agricultural products, machinery, feed and animals for general shelter and TB testing.
New tree applications
2734/22/TCA St Annes Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. T0073: Magnolia tree – Crown reduction from existing height to 4.5 metres & Crown lift to 2 metres above ground to reduce spread to keep tree in proportion and to manage the size of tree in small garden
2773/22/TCA Mulberry House DittishamTQ6 0ER.T2: Sycamore – Pollard tree leaving stem 4m from ground level, to maintain as a smaller canopy and less of a presence on the house below; T3: Mulberry – Crown lift to approx 2m from ground level, sympathetic crown reduction by up to 1m on patio/house side to shape and improve form; T4: Oak – Crown reduction on all sides by up to 1-2mto manage re-growth and improve form; T5 Cherry – Crown reduction by up to 2m to improve canopy form; T:10 Leyland Cypress – to be felled to ground, completely overpowering area, more suitable specimen to be re-planted.
It was resolved to make no comment on either of the above applications.
Consultations
SHDC survey of residents’ views ‘My place, My Views. Closes 17/10/22, 5 p.m.
The Clerk will resend the survey.
Personnel Committee
It was resolved to agree the proposed special resolution to change the decision of the May meeting to create a combined HR and Finance Committee, and to create a Personnel Committee and Subcommittee with the Terms of Reference agreed by the 6 July meeting of DPC. It was resolved that the members of the Personnel Committee will be Cllrs Nightingale, Bond, and Neale.
Reports from Councillor Working Groups & External Forums
Maintenance Working Group
It was resolved to alter the maintenance contract to be able to instruct contractors to adjust the areas of Ham Triangle to be left as uncut habitat areas.
The Manor Street turning bay project has been commenced by the Maintenance Working Group councillors.
It was suggested to add flexibility and related reporting back to DPC into the next maintenance contract.
It was suggested to measure the recovery of species, perhaps linked to a topographical survey, inviting involvement of the Parish, and possibly creating a method which could be made available to other PCs.
Cancelled Dart 10K2022Event
It was resolved to refund the £1,500 damage deposit payment for the September 2022 Hire of The Ham.
Risk Assessment Report of DPC’s Trees
The Clerk asked the surveyor to rerun risk assessments with different pedestrian and damage costs values. One was retained and it was advised that one was not appropriate. These changes do not change the categories of assessed risk. The Clerk was asked to obtain quotes for recommended works to the large Rauli in the Level Car Park (crown raise and reduce crown) and to fell dead elms on The Ham. Options to retain standing deadwood and to retain felled trees etc. to be discussed.
Defibrillators
It was confirmed that defibrillator and CPR training will take place on Wednesday 19 October at 7:00 pm in the Village Hall. DPC agreed a project for the next two defibrillators to be installed in Capton and on The Ham.
Parish Lengthsman .
It was resolved to appoint a contractor to take on the remainder of the 22/23 contract with an hourly rate of £22.
Request for a Memorial Bench.
Representative of DPC will meet with the requestor of a memorial bench on The Ham or on the foreshore where previous bench was located to discuss options and report back to DPC.
Financial Matters
Financial Report
The Report was approved by resolution. DPC’s total funds were £84,864.47, reserves £46,329.77, and general funds £38,534.7. The car parks’ RingGo and machine receipts are approximately as budgeted. The budget was 90% of 21/22 income. This is an increase on 19/20 and 20/21 receipts.
Payments
It was resolved to approve making the following payments:
Tree Risk Assessment Survey £540
Clerk Expenses Reimbursement £25.94
Cllr Bond reimbursement for replacement Padlock £18.76
Parish Lengthsman August 2022 £70
Village Hall Hire May to June 2022 £132
The following payments made since the July meeting were noted:
South West Water, Quay Tap, £3.27
Clerk Reimbursed for rapid COVID tests, £55.99
Cllr Bond Reimbursed Bus Shelter Wood filler, £10.45
Pension, June, £120.94. July £82.75
Clerk Salary July £1,101.62, August £1,101.82
HMRC PAYE/NI/ENI July £116.61, August £116.41
HMRC VAT £3,413.92
Option to opt out of the SAAA central external auditor appointment arrangements
It was confirmed that DPC will remain in the central scheme.
HMRC VAT Payment Update
HMRC has provided the new form required to update the ‘payments from’ account.
To note or consider correspondence
The following correspondence was noted:
June 2022 Lloyds Bank Paper free statements: Responded to retain paper for now
11/7/22, Resident, Removal of Liwentaal model plane from the Village Hall: Referred to VHMC
8/8/22 Resident regarding Dittisham Regatta road race: Referred to organiser. The meeting agreed that DPC will follow this up with DCC.
23/8/22 DCC contacted about repainting 20mph road markings: Reply – not a safety defect, no action.
APPROVED Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall on Tuesday 31 May 2022 at 2:00p.m
Present: Cllrs Anderson (Chair). Nightingale (Vice-Chair), Bond, Lloyd, and Unitt, and A Thom (Clerk).
90/22 Absent: Apologies were received from Cllrs Neale, Quinn, Tucker, and Cllr Green was also absent.
91/22 To declare any interests in items on the agenda.
None declared.
92/22 Amendment of the Jubilee Lunch Ham Hire Agreement
The request to amend the hire agreement was considered.
It was resolved to approve the requests to increase the size of the marquee from 9 metres x 18 metres to 9 metres x 21 metres, and to increase the numbers of guests, including children, some of whom are babies in prams, from 150 to 164, and to refuse the requests for vehicular access via gate to The Ham for dropping off 2 or 3 guests with limited mobility and to refuse the request to allocate five car parking spaces adjacent to the toilet block.
The vehicular access requested would have breached the hire condition ‘That there is no movement of vehicles on The Ham during the event.’ This condition is required to minimise the risk to people using The Ham. Councillors supported the hiring of matting to provide a more accessible surface over the 30 metres between the car park and the marquee. DPC will try to reserve for the event ten car parking spaces at The Ham gate end of the car park, five each side. DPC wants to support the safe and convenient drop off of lunch guests. DPC is mindful that The Ham area may be very busy on Sunday 5 June because there will be holiday weekend visitors, combined with Dittisham Sailing Club races, and the Jubilee lunch.
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 6 July 2022 at 7:00p.m
Police
The new Neighbourhoods Sergeant for Dartmouth and Rurals joined the meeting via the audio connection. They described their 10 year history in the police, mostly in Torbay. They are now placed in Dartmouth alongside a constable, with responsibility for a huge area. They are recruiting for another constable and hopefully a PCSO as well. They want to try to increase community intelligence and communication, and to build trust and confidence in the Police. They would like to see an equal level service across the patch, with Dittisham seeing an officer at least weekly via PCSOs. They encouraged participation by DPC in the Police Advocate scheme.
Present: Cllrs Anderson (Chair). Nightingale (Vice-Chair), Green, Neale, and Unitt were present, as were A Thom (Clerk) and Devon County Councillor Hawkins. There were no members of the public.
96/22 Apologies:
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Bond, Lloyd, and Quinn, and South Hams District Councillor McKay. Cllr Tucker was absent.
97/22 Declaration of Interests
Cllr Anderson declared a personal interest in Item 16 (Protocol in the event of the passing of a Sovereign).
98/22 Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 1 June 2022.
99/22 Public Issues
99/22.1Bonfire smoke
A resident has written to DPC about smoke from bonfires in the village.
If bonfire smoke create a nuisance this can be reported to South Ham District Council.
Bonfire smoke can have effects on resident’s health. Green waste smokes, if residents must burn please only burn dry garden waste. The creation of a habitat pile is an alternative.
DPC will provide information about bonfires on the parish website and in a flyer. Cllr Nightingale will update his 2021 article. DPC will work to develop a strategy to reduce local bonfires.
100/22 Community Reports
100/22.1South Hams District Council Councillor
The Clerk reported that Cllr McKay has been in contact with Officers about the abandoned vehicle on Riverside Road and the legal removal process has now re-started. The Clerk was asked to obtain an estimate of when the vehicle will be removed so that Cllrs can place cones to prevent it being blocked in by other parked cars. Cllr McKay has also been looking into the very poor waste and recycling collection service being received by Lower Street.
100/22.2Devon County Council Councillor
Devon County Councillor Hawkins noted that there would be an executive meeting of South Hams District Council the following day regarding the waste and recycling contract with FCC. He had no DCC matters to report.
101/22 SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted:
101/22.1 0544/22/TPO Dittisham Sailing Club Dittisham Dartmouth TQ6 0HS. T001: Oak – Sever Ivy. T002: Oak – Sever Ivy. T004: Oak – Remove lowest primary branch on E side. Hanging over garage. T005: Sycamore – Remove branch with axial crack at approx. 6m from GL on E side. To prevent branch failure onto path or building. T006: Sycamore – Remove epicormic growth from base. To remove conflict with building. T007: Sycamore – Reduce lateral branches over building by 1-2m. To reduce weight of branches. Tree Works Allowed.
101/22.2 0507/22/HHO Dartside Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Householder application for construction of free standing garden building (summerhouse) within rear curtilage (Resubmission of 1105/20/HHO). Refusal.
101/22.3 1104/22/CLP Kebechan House Capton To Capton Cross Capton Devon TQ6 0JE. Certificate of Lawfulness for Proposed Dormers on the back of Kelbechan house, one with Juliette balcony and amendments to fenestration. Cert of Lawfulness (Proposed) Refusal.
101/22.4 0485/22/FUL Bramble Torr Dittisham TQ6 0HZ. Application for access drive, platforms, building and drainage (Retrospective). Refusal.
101/22.5 0681/22/ARC 2 Watermans Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 3,4,6 and 10 of planning consent 1048/19/HHO. Discharge of condition Approved.
103/22.1 1767/22/FUL Land at Barberry Farm Dittisham TQ6 0JA. Erection of general purpose agricultural building.
It was resolved unanimously to Support.
103/22.2 1806/22/PDM Barn at Barberry Farm, Dittisham, TQ6 0JA. Application to determine if prior approval is required for proposed change of use of agricultural buildings to 1No. dwellinghouse (Class C3) and for associated operational development (Class Q (a+b)). For information only.
103/22.3 1732/22/LBC St Annes Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Listed building consent for replacement of external stores door.
It was resolved unanimously to Support.
104/22 Platinum Jubilee Holiday Events
It was decided to write to thank the organisers of the events in the village and to confirm an £800 grant request to the Parish of Dittisham Charity to partially offset DPC’s grants for the community lunch.
105/22 Proposal to Use Village Halls to Create a Network of Outposts for Police Officers
The questions asked in letter from Anthony Mangnall MP have been passed on to the Village Hall Management Committee.
106/22 Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
106/22.1 Ham Events
Dart 10K Event 2022
It was resolved to approve the 2022 Hire Agreement with the Swim Collective with two changes: to include no drinks served in glass, which the organiser supports, and to note that the event timings are to be confirmed.
Cllr Green declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in the next item and left the meeting.
Request from residents to book The Ham for a wedding 17 June 2022 (15-18 June hire)
It was resolved to approve the request.
Cllr Green returned to the meeting,
106/22.2 Maintenance Working Group
Cllr Anderson reported that issues raised in the 2022 annual playground inspection are all Low Risk. Simple maintenance items will be dealt with by the MWG. Additional actions required need further review.
The MWG has a project for maintenance of the bus shelter (seating slats, noticeboard, staining, gutter, clear overgrowth). There is a project to look at the installation of posts at the top of Ham Lane. The plan to improve the sight line for vehicles has been discussed with DCC Highways. The basket swing requires a barrier for the September Dart 10K event. The new sleepers have been installed over the ditch adjacent to The Ham Car Park.
107/22 Car Park Attendant Contract
It was resolved to extend the contract for two years, to 18/7/24, to review the frequency of machine emptying required after one year, to update the insurance of money requirements to be consistent with advice from insurers, and to remove the requirement to send an image of each car park ticket when a machine is emptied.
108/22 DPC Trees Risk Assessment Survey
It was decided to accept the quote from the same contractor used in 2021 to carry out the 2022 risk assessment survey.
109/22 Personnel Committee.
The creation of a Personnel Committee and Subcommittee and the Terms of Reference was discussed. It was agreed to use the TOR circulated with two changes – to add to promote wellbeing to the Committee’s TOR and to remove the requirement that a Subcommittee is made up of DPC councillors from the Subcommittee’s TOR. The Committee will have the power to make decisions without consulting the full Council. The final decision was deferred because a special resolution is required to change the decision of the May meeting to create a combined HR and Finance Committee.
110/22 Finance Working Group
It was resolved to add members of the FWG to the Lloyds and NatWest accounts bank mandates.
111/22 Protocol following the passing of a Sovereign
Cllr Anderson left the meeting.
It was resolved to unadopt the ‘Death of a Senior National Figure’ policy which was developed in 2018. The Parish Council will follow the Society of Local Council Clerks Advice Note. The Note discusses what the national protocol and events will be and raises the question of considering events for rescheduling or cancellation. The Advice Note might be useful to the Ditsum Players, Village Hall Management Committee, and Regatta Committee, and the Clerk was asked to share it with them and to add it to the website and Facebook. Cllr Neale will discuss with the VHMC. There will be a condolence book in the Church. DPC’s box of resources (condolence books, black tablecloth etc) is stored in the Village Hall and available for use as required.
Cllr Anderson returned to the meeting.
112/22 Proposal from Creative Car Parks
It was agreed that the proposal for DPC to use Creative Car Parks services in The Ham Car Park will not be assessed further because the company is not able to provide a service in The Level Car Park.
113/22 Financial Matters
113/22.1 Financial Reports.
It was resolved to accept the reports.
113/22.2 Payments
It was resolved to authorise the following payments:
Play Inspection Company, Annual Inspection, £150.00
Resident, Jubilee Lunch Grant, £1,848.50
Cllr Bond, Noticeboard for Bus Shelter Reimbursement £14.99
Clerk, Office expenses reimbursement CE52 June £19.03
The payments made since the 1 June meeting were noted:
Clerk, June Salary and May overtime , £1,414.09
HMRC, June PAYE/NI/ENI, £410.03
It was noted that the May pension payment is late because of issues with the transfer of source account.
DPC was glad to support the Jubilee lunch event on The Ham. The Clerk was asked to publicise its support.
114/22 Annual Insurance Premium
It was noted that the premium has been paid. Cover for subsidence of the Old Chapel Burial Ground wall was included with an additional cost of £117.43, total premium £768.14. The Clerk said that a question about engineering breakdown cover for the car park machines remains outstanding.
APPROVED Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 22 June 2022 at 12:30 p.m.
Present: Cllrs Anderson (Chair). Nightingale (Vice-Chair), and Neale, and A Thom (Clerk).
93/22 Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Green, Quinn, and Unitt. Cllrs Bond, Tucker, and Lloyd were also absent.
94/22 Declaration of Interests
None declared.
95/22 2021/22 Annual Governance and Accountability Return
95/22.1 2021/22 Internal Audit
The Auditor’s report was discussed. The 20/21 External Auditor’s Report and Certificate were not posted on the website as required. Systems have been put in place to ensure that this omission is not repeated.
95/22.2 2021/22 Audit Annual Governance Statement
It was resolved to approve the Statement.
95/22.3 2021/22 Audit Accounting Statements
The Accounting Statements were considered.
95/22.4 2021/22 Audit Accounting Statements
It was resolved to approve the Statements.
95/22.5 2021/22 Audit Accounting Statements
The Statements were signed by the Chair of the Meeting
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 1 June 2022 at 7:00p.m.
Present – Cllrs Anderson (Chair). Nightingale (Vice-Chair), Bond, Neale, and Unitt, were present as were A Thom (Clerk), South Hams District Councillor McKay, and three members of the public.
Dartmouth Caring: Presentation on Dartmouth Caring’s Services
It was explained DC serves the same area as the Dartmouth Medical Practice. It currently has 33 Dittisham connections – 28 clients and 5 volunteers. DC meets three times each week with NHS intermediate care teams which work to keep people living safely in their homes. DC’s wide range of services are all used Dittisham. Hospital transport, trips to the Medical Practice (with volunteer drivers at no charge – there is the option of a donation), Memory Café, and shopping. DC works with Dartmouth Food Bank and offers carer support in cooperation with Devon Carers. The Counselling Service has a waiting list. DC acts as an advocate for clients e.g. to access blue badges. No charges are made except for the provision of home help, although that charge can be waived if people are in financial need. DC doesn’t offer care but they do shop, cook etc which frees the registered carers to focus their time. DC is open from 9 am to 2pm. It is currently near the Dartmouth Medical Practice. It will be moving to the new Health and Wellbeing Centre.
93/22 Absent
Apologies were received from Cllrs Lloyd, Quinn, and Tucker, and Cllr Green was also absent.
94/22 Declaration of Interests
None declared
95/22 Mobile Coffee Cart Enquiry
This item was moved up the Agenda at the Chair’s discretion.
Correspondence regarding a Cart operating in Dittisham was considered. A member of the public gave their view opposing the proposal and then left the meeting. It was resolved not to support the proposal for a mobile coffee cart to operate in the village in the current economic climate because of the possible negative effect on existing static business which are already challenged to find staff and to manage rising costs.
96/22 Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting of DPC held on 4 May 2022.
It was resolved to approve the minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 11 May 2022.
It was resolved to approve the minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting held on 31 May 2022.
97/22 Public Issues
No matters raised.
98/22 Community Reports
98/22.1 South Hams District Council Councillor
South Hams District Council Councillor McKay reported that in its Annual General Meeting on 19 May SHDC approved a revised Constitution, which he is against. FCC has been asked to attend a special meeting of SHDC on 8 June 2022 to answer questions about the removal of waste. Cllr McKay was on of the signatories which called that meeting. Cllr McKay said that Baltic Wharf has become big issue for him – there is a plan to knock it down and build houses. Cllr McKay spoke about a huge development in offshore wind which will bring employment in high paid jobs to the area and said that he wants to see Baltic Wharf involved in that opportunity. He is looking at how he can challenge the Baltic Wharf development. Cllr McKay said that the St Anne’s Chapel development will be taken to Overview and Scrutiny regarding the amount of SHDC funds spent on affordable houses in that location (£700,000/house). Cllr McKay has been following up the removal of the abandoned car on Riverside Road.
98/22.1 Devon County Council Councillor
Devon County Council Councillor Hawkins sent his apologies for the meeting.
99/22 SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decision were noted:
TPO – Ref: RP/272639 No. 1064 Tree Preservation Order 2022 Barn at Capton, Dittisham, Dartmouth TQ6 0JE. Confirmed without modification.
4699/21/FUL Firze Park Capton Dartmouth TQ6 0JE. READVERTISEMENT Demolition of an existing agricultural building and construction of a replacement dwelling (following Class Q Approval 3213/20/PDM) and associated landscaping. Refusal.
100/22 New Planning Applications
1355/22/LBC Dunedin Cottage The Quay Dittisham TQ6 0EZ. Listed building consent for new lean to shed to contain replacement electric boiler.
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Nightingale, seconded Cllr Neale, unanimous).
0971/22/HHO Sherwood Cottage Riverside Road Dittisham TQ6 0HS. Householder application for proposed alterations to first floor rear opening in bedroom to create balcony space for maintenance and confirmation of rooflight/rainwater goods and flue/vent details (Retrospective).
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Unitt, seconded Cllr Bond, unanimous).
101/22 Consultations
Devon County Council (Traffic Regulation & On-Street Parking Places) Amendment Order, Closes 24/6
The order was noted. No comment made by DPC.
102/22 Devon County Council, Highways
DPC considered DCC’s request for the Parish Council’s view on whether a piece of land has some use or purpose. It concluded that DPC does not consider that the garden bed installed on the land is causing a problem with obstruction to the highway. Its retention as a community garden was supported as a positive use. DPC took the view that the neighbouring second area of highway maintainable at the public expense – which currently houses a grit bin, noticeboard, and mailbox – would benefit from maintenance and cleaning. DPC agreed to start work on developing a community Jubilee project to address the two areas. It will develop a plan for maintenance and to install a nice bench on the second area. The Clerk will respond to DCC. The Maintenance Working Group will work with other councillors to progress the project.
103/22 Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
103/22.1 Ham EventsWorking Group
A request from residents to book The Ham for a wedding was deferred pending confirmation of details of the booking.
103/22.2 Maintenance Working Group – Ham Maintenance Contract Specifications
Cllr Neale explained that at the end of last year some areas of The Ham Triangle were left uncut to increase habitat areas. The plan for the habitat project carried out in 2012 is being reviewed. A formal proposal for alteration to specifications for maintenance of The Ham Triangle will be made by the September meeting.
104/22 Extra Emptying of Bins in The Ham Car Park
The agreement with SHDC for extra emptying of bins in The Ham car park (Wednesday) from Easter to the end of October was reviewed. The cost in 2022 will be £3/bin for three bins, £9/week. Councillors said that emptying was done this week but not since Easter. It will need to be monitored. The need for the extra emptying was discussed. The use of The Ham is different this year. It was agreed to try mid-July to September: Wednesday 13 July to Wednesday 7 September.
105/22 Financial Matters
105/22.1 Financial Reports
The Clerk tabled the 22/23 Summary Report and the bank reconciliations at 30 April 2022. The 21/22 accounts have been restated on an income and expenditure basis and will be checked before presenting them to DPC for approval later in June.
105/22.2 Payments Due
The following payments were authorised:
Cllr Bond Reimbursement Drain Hook £9.49
Cllr Bond Reimbursement, Grass Seed £10.99
Dittisham Players, Half cost of new website pages, £50.00
Metric Two rolls of tickets £118.49
Clerk CE50 Expenses Reimbursement £12.28 plus the charge for Adobe Pro subscription
Payments made since the 4 May meeting
Clerk May Salary £1,071.80
HMRC May PAYE £146.43
Pension May Pension £82.75
105/22.3 Clerk’s Overtime
The Clerk had submitted a claim for 12 hours overtime worked in April preparing for the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council and the Internal Audit. DPC resolved unanimously to also authorise payment of all of the overtime worked to respond to the Subject Access Request.
105/22.4 Insurance Renewal
It was resolved to authorise the Clerk in consultation with Cllr Anderson to make a decision about whether to accept the pending quote for addition of subsidence to the insurance cover for the Old Chapel Burial Ground’s wall next to The Level and to finalise the renewal of the Parish Council’s insurance.
105/22.5 Notification of Grant from Devon County Council
The grant from DCC Footpaths P3 £200 was noted.
105/22.6 2022 Safety Survey of DPC Trees
This item was deferred.
106/22 2021/22 Annual Governance and Accountability Return
106/22.1 2021/22 Internal Audit
The Internal Auditor’s report was noted. It concludes that proper practices have been followed and that regular checks have been made in order to manage risk. Practise improvement suggestions have been actioned – the 20/21 External Auditor’s Report has been posted on the parish website and the alteration of the payment of pension contributions is an item for this meeting.
106/22.2 21/22 Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR)
Agenda Items 14.2-14.5 regarding the approval of the 21/22 AGAR were deferred and will be addressed in an extraordinary meeting later in June 2022.
106/22.3 Payment of HMRC VAT Invoices by Direct Debit
It was resolved to confirm that payments will continue to be made by DD and to arrange for HMRC to use the Lloyds account to debit as requested.
106/22.4 Payment of Pension Contributions by Direct Debit
It was resolved to authorise a mandate to debit from DPC’s Lloyds bank account.
106/22.5 Invoice 21/22 Internal Audit
It was resolved to authorise payment of the invoice for £200.
106/22.6 Appointment of Local Council Administration Services to carry out 22/23 Internal Audit
It was resolved to appoint LCAS to carry out 22/23 Internal Audit.
107/22 Freedom of Information and Subject Access Request
It was noted that the response was provided within the extended timeline.
108/22 Clerk’s Annual Leave
It was resolved to authorise the annual leave requested.
109/22 Correspondence
The following correspondence was noted:
From Anthony Mangnall MP, 12/5/22, Work being done in the Parish and jubilee events enquiry
Invitation, SHDC, Webinar, 7pm 15/6/22, Briefing for town and parish councils on Homes for Ukraine scheme
Airband Fibre to the Premises Rollout Public Webinar on Thursday, June 16th, 2022, at 7pm
110/22 Next Meeting
It was confirmed that the next monthly meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will be held on 6 July 2022 at 7:00 pm in Dittisham Village Hall.
APPROVED Minutes of the Dittisham Parish Meeting held in Dittisham Village Hall on
Wednesday 11 May 2022 at 7:00p.m.
Present: Councillors Anderson (DPC Chair), Nightingale (DPC Vice-Chair), Bond, Lloyd, and Unitt were present, and A Thom (Clerk), and 25 members of the public.
Absent: Cllrs Green, Neale, Quinn, and Tucker sent apologies.
Report on DPC’s Activities
Councillor Sune Nightingale reported on DPC’s activities over the past year.
He said that John has stepped down as Chair and been replaced by Graham. Mike Faulkner also stepped down. Sune thanked him for his help and input. And thanked Phil Unitt who has returned to the Council.
Sune thanked the Clerk, a vital hub for the Council, and the Councillors who volunteer their time and try to do as well as they can.
In addition to the main Council meetings there are lots of smaller meetings throughout the year, and some councillors sit on other bodies to represent and report back to the Council: the Village Hall Committee, Dart Estuary Forum, The Parish of Dittisham Charity, the SHDC Climate Forum, and the Sustainable South Hams groups for example.
DPC has carried out improvements, standardisation, training, and worked on archiving, cleaning, and disposal of records: all these things help to make a process which run smoothly in the background, so we can get on with the important tasks in hand.
Collaboration between the Parish Council and Sustainable Dittisham group continued. The Sustainable Dittisham Habitat Group helped by planting hedging whips (kindly donated by Nik Green). It will be a few years before we see the beauty of the flowers and fruits of the hazel, hawthorn, wild rose and cherry; something for us, and the wildlife, to look forward to. Many thanks to Members of the Habitat Group, plus a helpful resident and their dog.
Sune said it was an honour for Ros and him to present to the Devon Association of Local Councils Conference about DPC’s Habitat Plan, and he knows we all enjoyed the whole event.
DPC formed a climate & environment working group which has the initial tasks of adapting Devon County Council and South Hams District Council’s climate plans to make our own.
DPC looked at least 41 planning applications; credit to Graham’s eagle eye for those.
DPC took part in 5 consultations and reported back on a couple more. DPC lobbied government to allow Councils to have remote meetings if they so wish.
The Ditsum Players now have their own section on the parish website, which is great. It was always the plan that the website would be a community resource and it seems to be developing that way.
DPC worked on trying to address dog fouling: with new posters, and fixing and relocating bins.
DPC shared several costs by collaborating with Blackawton Parish Council, including for treeworks.
DPC has moved to a new accounting system to streamline the process and make it far more understandable and clear.
Ros and Lara, among others, strengthened ties with the Village Hall Committee, and DPC is giving it more ongoing financial support than previously.
DPC has financially supported a Jubilee event on the Ham, made a grant to the Church for burial ground maintenance, renewed parking arrangements with the Sailing Club, and liaised with the Gaffers, and of course the Dart 10K.
Phil is working on an ongoing project to improve communications, to make it easier for us to contact you in a more targeted way.
Phil looked into access by Fire and Rescue to try to answer the sensible question of “can a fire engine fit down this road?”, hence the visit today from our guest speaker.
DPC looked into a drainage issue near The Level Car Park, fixed and painted the railings at the Old Chapel [Burial Ground], and made repairs to The Ham’s retaining wall. Richard has started work on a speed survey in collaboration with Ashprington. There is ongoing work looking into a possible rejuvenation project on Riverside Road which might include EV chargepoints. There was a new Manor Street no turning sign, some A5 flyers for cars parked there, and a new playground sign. We put in some new posts and the Ham Maintenance group, made up of Graham, Ros and Richard have, as usual been busy.
The maintenance of the grass, banks and verges on The Ham, Level Car Park and The Old Chapel Burial ground has been carried out in a very satisfactory manner as Cllrs and the contractors (South Hams District Council) have developed a very good working relationship. The Ham Triangle looked particularly beautiful this Spring. Daffodils and crocuses in March, joined by primroses and cowslips in April and bluebells, wild garlic and cherry blossom in May. The maintenance of Parish owned land is ongoing to ensure the areas remain pleasant and safe, with some railings added in this year to secure pathways.
Thanks to our Lengthsman, often helped by Richard, who is doing great, especially as climate change already means more intense bouts of rainfall, and higher levels of soil and silt runoff.
We had the famous case of pigs on the loose. And an emu down at Old Mill!
Fire Prevention – Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service
A member of the Fire Prevention Team gave an informative and sobering presentation. The home safety visits are a free service, including the provision of an impressive range of safety equipment.
You can register for a home safety visit from the Fire & Rescue Service using the online form https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/safety/home/book-home-safety-visit
or phoning: 0800 05 02 999.
TQ6 Partnership
The TQ6 Partnership is a Lottery funded initiative to support and empower local people to receive the services they need. The Coordinator discussed the project, links already made with Dittisham, and future plans. They can be contacted via: or 07823322083
Sustainable Dittisham
The co-ordinator of Sustainable Dittisham’s Habitat Group discussed the Group’s activities and introduced the new Gardening for Wildlife booklet. The booklet is a practical guide which has been written by the Group’s very knowledgeable and enthusiastic members. A copy will be delivered to every residence in the Parish soon – look out for it in your letter box!
Speakers finished at 8:20 approximately, and we then enjoyed refreshments and conversation!
