Mar 7, 2022 | Minutes
The draft minutes can be downloaded here MN_2022 March DPC Approved Minutes
or read below.
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 2 March 2022 at 7:00p.m.
Present: Cllr Tucker (Chair), Bond, Green, Lloyd, Neale, Quinn, and Unitt, Devon County Councillor Hawkins, and A Thom (Clerk).
10/22 Absent
Cllrs Nightingale and Anderson, and South Hams District Councillor McKay sent apologies.
11/22 Declaration of Interests
None declared.
12/22 Approval of the Minutes of the meetings held on 26 January, 2 February, and 9 February 2022.
It was resolved to approve the Minutes with the date for the request to book The Ham for a Community Platinum Jubilee Lunch in the Minutes for 9 February meeting corrected to 5 June.
13/22 Public Issues
13/22.1 DCC verge on south side of Riverside Road next to Shinners Meadow
A member of the public gave their view that the verge is a disgrace and asked that Devon County Council look at it.
Devon County Councillor Hawkins was able to advise that DCC does not maintain verges. Parish councils can take over their maintenance.
The Clerk was instructed to re-report the abandoned car to South Hams District Council.
14/22 Trees & Footpath – Riverside Road
Regarding Devon County Council’s enquiries about planting two trees on the DCC verge on the south side Riverside Road and the preferred management of five areas where pavement trees on the Riverside Road footpath have died, it was resolved unanimously to respond to DCC requesting that the five areas are tarmaced over, and that a task and finish group (Cllrs Anderson, Bond, and Neale) will consider the maintenance and management of the verge and if possible report back to the 5 April meeting of DPC.
15/22 Community Reports
15/22.1 South Hams District Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of District Councillor McKay.
15/22.2 Devon County Council Councillor
Devon County Councillor Hawkins reported that DCC has now set it’s 22/23 budget. DCC’s portion of Council Tax will increase by of 3%, the maximum which is permitted without a referendum. Increased in the County budget were 10.5% for Adult and Care service, 10.8% in Children’s services, and 0.4% Highways. In Highways a million pounds would go into drainage. Councillor Hawkins reported that central Government has set Highways a three year budget of managed decline. He requested lobbying the MP.
The Health and Wellbeing Centre is developing fast and looks to open in October.
The next Youth Night at the Dartmouth Leisure Centre is on 11 March. They have been a great success. There were 81 present at the last event. The Dartmouth Youth Group in the Ivy Lane Centre has restarted. It will be every Tuesday at 6:30 pm. The organisers want to keep the events free of charge. Money to support that would be welcome. They will cost £12-15,000/year to run. Any financial support is welcome.
The TQ6 Partnership’s Lottery funding includes the support of neighbouring parishes. The Co-ordinator is seeking to contact DPC about the support it offers.
16/22 SHDC Planning Decisions
16/22.1 4423/21/CLB Dunedin Cottage The Quay Dittisham TQ6 0EZ. Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Works to a Listed Building following leakage of kerosene from domestic boiler to the rear of the property. Conditional Approval.
16/22.2 2915/21/ARC Dartside Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 3 (facing and roofing materials), 4 (stone facing sample panels), 5 (roof details) and 6 (window and door details) of planning consent 1130/20/HHO. Discharge of condition Approved.
16/22.3 2978/21/ARC Dartside Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 3 (facing and roofing materials), 4 (stone facing sample panels), 5 (roof details) and 6 (window and door details) of planning consent 1131/20/LBC. Discharge of condition Approved.
16/22.4 4752/21/FUL Barn at Capton Capton TQ6 0JE. Demolition of barns and erection of 4 new dwellings following Class Q consent (1034/21/PDM) including landscaping and improvements to access. Withdrawn.
17/22 New planning applications
17/22.1 0342/22/HHO & 0343/22/LBC Manor Cottage 27 Dittisham Court Dittisham TQ6 0HS. Householder application & Listed Building consent for demolition of conservatory and replace with solid structure.
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Green, seconded Cllr Unitt, unanimous).
17/22.2 1778/21/HHO & 1779/21/LBC Dartside Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Householder application & Listed Building consent for installation of air heat source pump.
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Green, seconded Cllr Neale, unanimous).
17/22.3 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
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Green, seconded Cllr Neale, unanimous).
17/22.4 0609/22 /PDM Dittisham Landfill Dittisham TQ6 0HP. Application to determine if prior approval is required for proposed change of use of agricultural buildings to 1No. dwellinghouse and for associated operational development (Class Q (a+b)).
For information only. Planning decision will be based on the application of evidence provided.
17/22.5 Dartmouth Neighbourhood Plan, Regulation 15 Consultation, Closes 8 April
This will be an item on the 5 April Agenda.
18/22 Consultations
- Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) and the Association of Democratic Services (ADSO) Petition to change the law to allow remote and hybrid meetings
It was resolved unanimously to write in support.
- SHDC Homelessness Strategy Consultation Closes 23 March
No comment made by DPC.
19/22 Financial Matters
19/22.1 Financial Reports
It was resolved to approve the reports which showed a reconciled cashbook balance of £75,485.89 and reserves of £50,552.41.
The Finance Committee will meet in March to consider making a recommendation for an additional repayment on the loan taken to purchase the Level Car Park.
19/22.2 Payments Due
The following payments were authorised by resolution:
- Clerk, Expenses Reimbursement CE47 £19.52
- Kingsbridge Websites, Annual Hosting and Backups £120
- Chagos Consulting Ltd, Parish Online Training £10.00
19/22.3 Clerk’s 2021/22 pay rate
It was resolved to approve the application of the salary award increase of 1.75% backdated to 1 April 2021.
20/22 Works to Vegetation on The Ham – Correspondence
It was resolved to authorise the Clerk to write to property owners regarding unauthorised works.
21/22 Delegated Authority
The current delegations have been reviewed. It was resolved to remove 3.2 which authorises the Clerk to grant dispensations, to amend 3.6 to name the Clerk as the Council’s appointed Data Protection Officer, and to retain the COVID-19 virtual meeting delegations. Next review March 2023.
22/22 Review of Procedures
It was resolved to amend the updated Standing Orders as circulated to make the wording gender neutral and to then adopt them.
23/22 Speeding in Ashprington Parish
Councillor Bond was nominated to accept the invitation of 7/2/22 from Ashprington Parish Council to take part in its review
24/22 Cabinet Office & UK Health Security Agency – Living with COVID-19, 2/3/22, 11:00. This event had already taken place.
25/22 TQ6 Partnership Co-ordinator’s request to meet
The Clerk was asked to email to identify what services and assistance are available.
26/22 Correspondence
For information only.
26/22.1 Sent
- 9/2/22 DCC contacted about resolution of South West Water road closure
27/22 Annual Meeting of the Parish Council
It was confirmed that the AMPC will take place at the start of the monthly meeting on 4 May.
28/22 Annual Parish Meeting
Wednesday 11 May was set to be the date for the APM.
29/22 It was confirmed that the next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will be 6 April 2022 at 7:00 pm.
The meeting closed at 20:19.
Feb 22, 2022 | Minutes
The approved minutes can be downloaded here MN_2022 February 09 DPC EM Approved Minutes
or read below.
APPROVED Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held on Wednesday 9 February 2022 at 7:00p.m. in Dittisham Village Hall with an audio conferencing link
Present: Councillors Green (meeting Chair), Bond, Neale, Nightingale, Quinn, and Unitt were present, as was A. Thom (Clerk). There were five members of the public, all present in the Hall.
06/22 Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Tucker and Anderson.
07/22 Declaration of Interests
None declared.
08/22 Request to book The Ham for a Community Platinum Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 5 June
The provisional dates for the marquee to be on The Ham are now 1 – 6 June.
It was resolved that:
the Council agrees to hire The Ham and if necessary to extend the normal hire period,
the Council imposes the vehicle movement conditions 3 and 4 used for the Dart 10k event,
the council increases the available parking spaces for the event to 10.
should another application be received [to use the marquee] the issue of insurance and responsibility would need to be resolved in a way acceptable to the hirer (resolution proposed Cllr Unitt, seconded Cllr Neale).
The vehicle movement conditions referred to are:
That there is no movement of vehicles on The Ham during the event.
That vehicles do not drive on The Ham unless it is essential and any movement of vehicles on The Ham is minimised
The application for a grant of £2,661 for the event costs was considered.
It was resolved that the Council agrees to the grant as proposed and in addition to meet the cost of public liability insurance.
It was resolved that the Council requests Cllr Nightingale to approach other trustees of the Parish of Dittisham Charity to ask about a contribution to this event.
The meeting closed at 19:47.
Feb 22, 2022 | Minutes
The approved minutes can be downloaded here MN_2022 January 26 EM DPC Approved Minutes
or read below.
APPROVED Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held on Wednesday 26 January 2022 at 7:00p.m. in Dittisham Village Hall with audio only Zoom conferencing
Present: Cllrs Tucker (Chair), Bond, Green, and Neale, Unitt, and A Thom (Clerk).
01/22 Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllrs Anderson, and Quinn.
02/22 Declaration of Interests
None declared.
03/22 Financial Matters
03/22.1 Grant Application – South Hams Citizens Advice
It was resolved to approve the grant application for £300 in 22/23.
03/22.2 Grant Application – Village Hall Management Committee ‘Wish List’
It was resolved to approve the grant application for Items 7, £331.20 WiFi Internet Connection 2021 – 23 two-year contract, and Item 8, £1850 Carpentry Repairs to outside Stores.
03/22.3 Grant Application – 2022/23 – 2025/26 Village Hall Management Committee
It was resolved to approve the grant application for £3,000 in April 2022 to April 2024 inclusive (one year less than requested) and £30,000 Sinking Fund contributed by 10 equal annual instalments of £3,000 commencing April 2022 with the earmarked reserve held by DPC.
03/22.4 Grant Application – 2022/23 St George’s Church
It was resolved to approve a grant of £1,000 in 2022/23 towards churchyard grounds maintenance.
DPC is aware of the legal advice prohibiting the making of grants to the Church due to 1894 legislation. It chose to make this grant to support the provision of a burial ground in the Parish and taking into account that burial has been available to residents irrespective of faith.
03/22.5 Budget
It was resolved to approve the proposed 2022/23 budget with the one change that the earmarked reserve for grants was increased to £3,000.
03/22.6 Precept
It was resolved to approve a 2022/23 precept demand of £12,000.
03/22.7 Making Tax Digital
It was resolved to approve the use of Scribe to submit DPC’s VAT returns.
04/22 Village Hall Management Committee
The Clerk will respond to the letter to DPC dated 2/11/21 advising of the grant applications approved as above.
Nov 17, 2021 | Minutes
The Approved Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall, with Zoom audio conferencing, on Wednesday 3 November 2021 at 7:00p.m. can be
downloaded as a pdf here:
MN_2021 November DPC Approved Minutes
or read below.
Present: Councillors Anderson (Meeting Chair), Bond, Neale, Nightingale, and Unitt were present, as were A. Thom (Clerk), two members of the public, and Cllr Quinn and South Hams District Councillor McKay via audio link.
Councillors present via audio link are not able to vote.
184/21 COVID-19
The COVID-19 precautions being taken by the meeting were noted.
185/21 Apologies:
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Tucker (Chair) and Green, and Devon County Councillor Hawkins.
186/21 Declaration of interests
Cllr Unitt declared a personal interest in the Dittisham Sailing Club permits (Item 11.1).
Cllr Quinn declared a personal interest in the Request for a TPO – Ref: 1798627 (Item 9.1).
Cllr Neale declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in 3322/21/HHO Mason Park planning application (Item 8.2).
187/21 Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 6 October 2021 with the following change to MN 163/21.1: ‘They said that Lod Cottage’s flagstaff is an indication of the height.’ replaces ‘They said that Lod Cottage’s flagstaff blocks some of the view – as an indication of height’.
188/21 Public Issues
188/21.1 Tree Policy & Planting, and Absence of Food Waste Collection
A member of the public raised the issue that no food waste is being collected, noting that the public discussion about issues with the waste and recycling service has focussed on recycling and green waste collection.
They said that the Woodland Trust website has a good paragraph about where to plant trees and asked that the Parish Council look at that please. They also re-extended an invitation for the Parish Council to see from their house the view and the potential effect on that view from tree planting by the Parish Council on The Ham.
189/21 Community Reports
189/21.1 South Hams District Council Councillor
SHDC Cllrs were invited to tour the centre where compacted waste is converted. Cllr McKay said it is extraordinary what technology can do and he actually questions why waste is separated to start with. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meets tomorrow and will discuss how the decision regarding brown bin collections and the letter which has gone out was made.
For FCC to receive a penalty reports of problems have to come directly from residents into SHDC’s system.
Climate and biodiversity recommendations are being considered tomorrow. This includes South Hams wide targets.
Community Forum presentations have happened. There is a move toward more practical working together with SHDC.
Cllr Nightingale provided the information that the Raleigh Estate is now getting garden waste dumped in lots of their gateways. This is an issue.
189/21.2 Devon County Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of Cllr Hawkins.
190/21 SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted.
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190/21.1 3024/21/HHO Sherwood Cottage Riverside Road Dittisham TQ6 0HS. Householder application for removal of utility structure and garage with replacement single storey extension. Works include removal of existing conservatory, removal of extension to chimney pot and replacement windows. Extension to include external porch (resubmission of 4237/20/HHO). Conditional Approval.
190/21.2 2455/21/FUL Spindlewood Higher Street Dittisham TQ6 0HT. Demolition of existing dwelling and provision of replacement dwelling with associated landscaping. Conditional Approval.
190/21.3 3364/21/LBC 2 Watermans Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Listed building consent for 15 solar panels on two frames in garden. Withdrawn.
191/21 New planning applications
191/21.1 3495/21/HHO Gurrow Point Riverside Road Dittisham TQ6 0JH. Householder application for proposed external material changes to East elevation with smaller attic window.
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Anderson, seconded Neale, unanimous).
191/21.2 3322/21/HHO Mason Park Capton TQ6 0JE. Householder application for new sun room to replace porch.
Cllr Neale left the room.
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Anderson, seconded Unitt, unanimous).
Cllr Neale returned to the room.
192/21 New tree applications
192/21.1 Request for a TPO – Ref: 1798627 South Hams District Council No. 1057 Tree Preservation Order 2021. Yew Tree Cottage, Manor Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0EX. Serving of New Order.
Support As Served (resolution proposed Cllr Anderson, seconded Neale, unanimous).
193/21 SHDC Code of Conduct
It was resolved that DPC would adopt the new Code (resolution proposed Cllr Anderson, seconded Nightingale, unanimous).
194/21 Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
194/21.1 Car Parks Working Group
The report of the 2022 Review of Dittisham Sailing Club Permits for The Ham Car Park was considered.
It was resolved that there will be a 5% increase in the charge for the 2022/23 permits and subsequently annual CPI increases – as recommended in the Report. There was a discussion about whether to limit the total number of permits, for example a maximum of 200. A cap will not be set this year. Agreed by unanimous resolution.
194/21.2 Dog Fouling Task and Finish Group
There were no objections raised to the proposed location for a bin near Rectory Lane, at the end of the track towards Bozomzeal. The land is unregistered. It was agreed that a 21 day Notice of Intent will be posted. DPC will try to locate the owner and also contact nearby households about the proposal. Agreed by unanimous resolution.
194/21.3 The Ham Events Working Group
It was resolved to agree to receiving payment by the Outdoor Swimming Society for the 2022 hire of The Ham as the deposit in November 2021 and balance by the end of April 2022 or within 3 weeks of tickets going on sale, whichever is sooner.
194/21.4 Maintenance Working Group
It was resolved unanimously to choose playground sign version A and to accept the proposed specifications for square wooden post for the signs.
195/21 Update on Payment of Grants to the Village Hall Management Committee
The Clerk updated DPC on actions taken since the 6 October meeting. The deferred 2021/22 grant of £3,000 for Hall maintenance has now been paid. This is the second year of the requested five year commitment. The
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grant is paid before the works are done, except the 21/22 grant which has been paid by DPC later in the financial year. DPC will need to consider whether maintenance reserve funds can be held by VHMC. DPC does not have a role in the day to day management of the Hall. The intent of the proposal for Cllr Anderson to be present during the Annual Premises Survey Assessment is to facilitate reporting on use of grant funds paid by DPC. Cllr Anderson commented that a letter has been received from the VHMC Chair this week and there may be a meeting during November.
196/21 Report from DPC Representative on Village Hall Management Committee
Cllr Neale discussed the possibility of DPC contributing to the ‘Wish List’ works appeal. The proposal that DPC contributes Items 7, £252 Annual cost of WiFi Internet Connection, and Item 8, £1850 Carpentry Repairs to outside Stores – including new fascia board, doors, gutters etc, will be on the Agenda of the December meeting.
197/21 Tree Planting on The Ham
DPC reviewed its response to the letter from a resident raising objection to eventual height of trees planted by DPC on The Ham because of concerns they will ultimately block residents’ river views, and requesting review or a policy to limit their height to 25 feet. Five councillors have done a further site visit. Their recommendation is no change to trees already planted. DPC is developing a Tree Policy. There will be a public consultation on the draft. The resident’s view will be taken into account in the Policy.
198/21 Remembrance Service Arrangements
The arrangements for DPC’s representative at the Service were confirmed. The donation of £25 to the Royal British Legion in lieu of a new wreath was approved.
199/21 Financial Matters
199/21.1 Consider approval of Financial Report.
The report showed a total balance of £84,239.32 and unearmarked reserves of £12,196.32.
199/21.2 Payments Due
The following payments were approved:
• Clerk, Expenses reimbursement CE43, £87.90
• DALC, Conference attendance (4) & CiLCA, £430.00
• Dartmoor Tree Surgeons, Crown raise Lime & remove dead rowan, £201.60
• SCM Construction Ltd, OCBG Railing Repair, £456.00
199/21.3 Clerk’s Overtime Claim
The claim for six hours overtime between July and November was approved.
199/21.4 Accounting Software
DPC is investigating a changeover to an Accounting Software designed for Parish Councils.
199/21.5 Grant to South Hams Citizens Advice
It was resolved to approve a grant of £300.
199/21.6 Draft Budget & DPC Objectives
Cllrs were asked to provide information about the Working Groups’ 2022/23 requirements for the 1 December Draft Budget.
200/21 Correspondence
Sent
• 8/10/21 Resident, Concerns raised about tree planting, Interim response
201/21 Next Meeting
The next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will be held on 1 December 2021 at 7:00 pm.
202/21 Closure of the Meeting
It was resolved to close the meeting to the press and members of the public because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the remaining business.
203/21 Quotes
The price to obtain the agreed wooden posts for the new playground signs from Southern Timber at a cost of £13.98 per post was accepted.
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The meeting closed at 21:34.
Nov 11, 2021 | Minutes
MN_2021 October DPC Approved Minutes
Jul 22, 2021 | Minutes
MN_2021 July DPC Draft Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall with audio Zoom conferencing, on Wednesday 7 July 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
- Present: Cllrs Tucker (Chair), Anderson (Vice-Chair), Bond, Neale, and Nightingale were present, as were Devon County Councillor Hawkins, A Thom (Clerk) and one member of the public.
- On Zoom audio: One member of the public joined briefly.
135/21 Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Green, Lloyd, and Quinn, and South Hams District Cllr McKay.
136/21 Declaration of Interests
Cllr Tucker declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Item 11.2 Dart 10K 2022 event.
137/21 COVID-19 Response
No comments were made on the project to ensure that residents and visitors have access to support and information.
138/21 Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2021.
139/21 Public Issues
139/21.1 Copy of letter to SHDC regarding effect on residential amenity of quantity of building in the village
Cllr Anderson will respond to the author.
140/21 Community Reports
140/21.1 South Hams District Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of Cllr McKay.
140/21.2 Devon County Council Councillor
Cllr Hawkins reported that the construction of the Health and Wellbeing Centre has started and the Centre will open at the end of next summer. The Park and Ride will be extended over unused playing field land. The double yellow lines opposite The Level Car Park have been repainted. Cllr Hawkins visited Lower Street and saw the good road resurfacing result.
141/21 SHDC Planning Decisions
141/21.1 1183/21/HHO Herons Flight Riverside Road Dittisham TQ6 0HS. Householder application for replacement of conservatory with new extension. Extension of existing balcony to front elevation over proposed stone clad ground floor extension. Alterations to fenestration and balustrading. Installation of natural timber cladding to first floor of front elevation and to gable end of rear elevation. Conditional Approval.
141/21.2 1416/21/HHO Little Coombe Farm Dittisham TQ6 0JB. Retrospective householder application for retention of studio workshop and erection of greenhouse. Conditional Approval.
141/21.3 1446/21/HHO Greenslades Higher Street Dittisham TQ6 0HT. Householder application for alterations and extension to existing dwelling. Conditional Approval.
141/21.4 1413/21/FUL Newlands Farm Blackawton TQ9 7DR. Extension of existing agricultural building for dry storage. Conditional Approval.
141/21.5 0546/21/FUL Little Coombe Cedar Huts Dittisham TQ6 0JB. READVERTISEMENT (revised plans received 17.05.21) Installation of 5 new shepherds huts, relocation of Airstream caravan and associated development. Conditional Approval.
141/21.6 1900/21/CCN Newlands Farm Blackawton TQ9 7DR. Caravan Club notification to operate a certificated location for proposed exempted camp site. No objection Recommend Approval
142/21 New planning applications
142/21.1 1843/21/HHO 8 Meadow Cottages The Level Dittisham TQ6 0EU. Householder application for first-storey extension over existing conservatory and extension of existing first floor balcony.
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Anderson, seconded Cllr Neale, unanimous).
142/21.2 0763/21/HHO Low Dolphin Lower Street Dittisham TQ6 0HY READVERTISEMENT (Revised plans received) Householder application for new rear extension with internal alterations to existing building and the removal of garage door.
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Anderson, seconded Cllr Bond, unanimous).
142/21.3 2101/21/HHO Sunbeams Riverside Road Dittisham TQ6 0HS. Householder application for free standing PV panels.
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Anderson, seconded Cllr Nightingale, unanimous).
142/21.4 2099/21/VAR Sunbeams Riverside Road Dittisham TQ6 0HS. Variation of conditions 2 (approved plans) and 3 (privacy screen approved drawings) of planning consent 4101/20/VAR.
Support with comment that drawing numbers don’t correspond which made the assessment of the application more difficult (resolution proposed Cllr Anderson, seconded Cllr Bond, unanimous).
142/21.5 1760/21/LBC & 1759/21/HHO The Cider Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Listed building consent and householder application for new boat/garden store and workshop in existing garden.
Object: The proposed building is considered overly large and dominant in its Conservation Area setting, the expected final use is unclear because the submitted description is inconsistent, the siting and design doesn’t address its setting (resolution proposed Cllr Anderson, seconded Cllr Bond, Cllr Neale abstained).
142/21.6 2455/21/FUL Spindlewood Higher Street Dittisham TQ6 0HT. Demolition of existing dwelling and provision of replacement dwelling with associated landscaping.
Support with strengthened version of DPC’s standard comment on light pollution and comment that the application refers to use of natural materials therefore timber boarding or slate boarding would be preferable to the proposed weatherboarding which is plastic and not a natural material (resolution proposed Cllr Anderson, seconded Cllr Bond, unanimous).
142/21.7 2578/21/LBC & 2577/21/HHO Dunedin Cottage The Quay Dittisham TQ6 0EZ. Listed Building consent and householder application for an air source heat pump.
The properties in this area are very close together and air source heat pumps have a noisy hum like an air conditioner unit, therefore a noise impact assessment addressing the effect on the adjacent property and/or noise mitigation measures should be available for DPC to reach a view.
Defer. The Clerk was asked to request further information.
142/21.8 1407/21/ARC River Farm Cottage Dittisham TQ6 0HE. Application for approval of details reserved by Conditions 6 and 7 of Planning Application 3079/20/FUL. For information.
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Neale, seconded Cllr Anderson).
143/21 Consultations
- Boundary Commission Consultation – To consider supporting a proposal to the 2023 review for the constituency name to be changed from Totnes to South Devon. Closes 2 August.
It was resolved to write in Support. The Clerk will also reshare the consultation.
144/21 Tree Warden
The proposed appointment of Cllr Bond was approved
145/21 Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
145/21.1 Maintenance Working Group
The overall assessment of Parish Council assets and proposed maintenance works was noted.
It was resolved to approve the specifications for priority projects – grass protection mesh & railings near Binham Cottage and new segment of railing on path to DSC, and OCBG wall and railings, that the Parish Lengthsman will remove vegetation which results in damage to the wall and repoint as required and will charge the standard rate plus expenses, and expenditure of £75 to buy mulch mats for newly planted trees on the Ham.
145/21.2 Ham Events
It was resolved to confirm the Dart 10K event to be held on 3 and 4 September 2022 with existing conditions, including use of Cott Farm parking and Football field disabled parking, and to agree the request to defer payment of the deposit to November 2021. Cllr Tucker left the room while this item was addressed.
145/21.3 Tree Survey
The recommendations of the June 2021 survey were noted. It has three low risk general management recommendations. The Clerk was asked to arrange for the recommended crown rise of the lime tree in The Level car park, and the removal of the dead rowan on the Ham Triangle, in the autumn.
145/21.4 Playground Signs & Ambulance Sign for Turning Bay
The ‘Ambulance’ sign for the Manor Street turning bay was agreed as drafted. The overall format and content of the playground signs was agreed and it was agreed to retain the ‘no fires or BBQs’ message. Cllr Nightingale recommended adjustment of the colour to improve readability. Punctuation details remain to be finalised.
146/21 Ditsum Players’ section on the Parish Website
It was resolved to approve the proposal to expand the Players presence on the website as detailed in the request received. DPC will pay half of the cost, which has been estimated by Kingsbridge Websites at £100. The meeting supported the same approach being taken with the Village Hall Management Committee’s more recent request to similarly expand the VHMC presence on the website as detailed in its written request. Cost also estimated at £100. This can be approved by the Clerk and Chair under the Financial Regulations to allow the VHMC’s preferred deadline to be met. DPC will pay half the cost up to £50.
147/21 Vegetation on Roads in the Village
Cllr Tucker explained that Devon County Council is responsible for green vegetation on the roads and South Hams District Council for dead vegetation. DPC does not have a responsibility. However, as a topic of interest to parishioners, it was agreed to form a Task and Finish Group of Cllrs Neale, Bond and Anderson to assess the issue, consider options for management, and consider a public consultation. The Group will commence in September to report to the October meeting.
148/21 Parish Council Policy on Use of Herbicides or Pesticides
DPC will look further into the proposal to adopt a policy of no use of herbicides or pesticides unless it’s in response to an exceptional circumstance like a dangerous invasive species: which would be the same approach as that taken by DCC. The Clerk will look into a previous resolution on this matter. Herbicides or pesticides will not be used in the interim.
149/21 Proposal to form a Climate & Environment Working Group
Cllr Nightingale will suggest a remit to the next meeting.
150/21 Process to fill the Vacancy for a Parish Councillor
It was agreed to advertise in September, closing date 24 September, and interview in the last week in September.
151/21 Financial Matters
151/21.1 Financial Report & Bank Reconciliation
The Report, which showed a total balance of £65,017.18, unearmarked reserves of £12,246.19, and reconciled, was approved.
151/21.2 Payments Due
The following payments were approved:
- Metric, Software, £477.60
- SWW, Pontoon Tap, 19/3-7/6, £39.29
- Dart Forrest Trees, Survey, £540.00
- SHDC, £491.22, part of maintenance contract in arrears. It was agreed that the invoice would be paid once the item description on the invoice has been corrected.
151/21.3 Approval of Clerk Expenses Reimbursement Claim CE40
The claim of £123.78 was approved.
151/21.4 Invoice for work on document review and disposal
Deferred.
151/21.5 Bank Mandate
It was resolved to update the NatWest mandate, removing Cllr Faulkner and adding Cllr Anderson.
152/21 Parish Online
DPC approved a trial of a subscription to the service. There will be no cost to DPC as it is included in the new insurance policy.
153/21 Correspondence
- South Devon Rural Housing Association Management of a gulley which drains from The Level
Noted. No payment will be offered to SDRHA by DPC.
- Closure of public footpath 16 at Dittisham Pier – communication with DCC and residents
- Village Hall Management Committee Annual General Meeting 14 July at 6.00 p.m.
- Broadband Booster Scheme, Connecting Devon and Somerset, Businesses and households with poor indoor mobile £800 voucher for mobile signal booster from a registered scheme supplier.
- Citizens Advice South Hams, 28/6/21, Ways to Contact
- Devon Communities Together, Updating your Community Emergency Plan, Virtual Devon Community Resilience Forum event, 9/7/21
154/21 Next Meeting
It was confirmed that the of Dittisham Parish Council will be held on 1 September 2021 at 7:00 pm.
155/21 Closure of the Meeting
It was resolved to close the meeting because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.
156/21 Quotes
156/21.1 Playground Signs & Ambulance Sign for Manor Street Turning Bay
The least expensive quote was selected as the first choice, £422.84, and the middle price will be used if copyright is an issue.
156/21.2 Grass protection mesh & railings near Binham Cottage, new segment of railing on path to DSC
It was resolved to purchase materials as per specifications at a cost of £155. It was resolved to approve labour costs up to £200. No contractors with availability have been located to date.
156/21.3 Old Chapel Burial Ground wall and railings.
Enquiries are being pursued. DPC will try to have quotes for the September meeting.
157/21 Performance Appraisal
Cllr Tucker said the appraisal document needs to be updated to provide a more meaningful appraisal.
The meeting closed at 20:59.