Apr 14, 2022 | Minutes
The minutes can be downloaded here or read below MN_2022 April DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in
Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 6 April 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Councillors Anderson (Vice-Chair and meeting Chair), Bond, Neale, Nightingale, and Unitt were present, as were Devon County Councillor Hawkins, South Hams District Councillor McKay, and A Thom (Clerk).
30/22 Absent
Apologies were received from Councillors Tucker, Green, Lloyd, and Quinn.
31/22 Declaration of Interests
Cllr Neale declared an interest in the planning application 0853/22/CLP Kelbechan House.
32/22 Approval the minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2022.
It was resolved to approve the Minutes.
33/22 Public Issues
No matters raised.
34/22 Community Reports
34/22.1 South Hams District Council Councillor
SHDC Cllr McKay reported that South Hams has approved the Plymouth Freeport business case. It will now go to the Government, with approval likely.
SHDC has made a £10,000 humanitarian donation to Ukraine and approved an associated motion to lobby the MP to improve how refugees can access the UK.
Sustainable South Hams has received the grant funds it requested. The total size of the fund is only £50,000. Cllr McKay is lobbying for another round to accommodate the large number of requests received for funding.
Ambulance response time will come up at the next Overview and Scrutiny meeting.
34/22.2 Devon County Council Councillor
DCC Cllr Hawkins attended two sessions about the delivery of Children’s Services today. DCC has partnered with Leeds Council which has excellent Children’s Services.
An SHDC Officer is checking 22 properties offered to refugees from Ukraine.
The Leisure Centre’s payment has been deferred to keep the Centres open.
There have been issues with green waste missed collections.
Dartmouth Health and Wellbeing Centre stakeholders had a meeting last week. The opening date has slipped by about four to six weeks because of supply issues, although it is hoped it will catch up. The Centre is now expected to open in October.
35/22 SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decision were noted:
- 4724/21/ARC 2 Watermans Cottage Manor Street Dittisham Devon TQ6 0EX. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 3 of Planning Permission 3363/21/HHO. Discharge of condition Approved.
- 4343/21/TPO Yew Tree Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. G1: Ash – fell due to dieback. G2: Hazel – coppice to 0.5m from ground level to increase biodiversity. G3: Hornbeam – crown thinning by up to20%. Remove squirrel damaged branches. To reveal healthy wood and promote growth. G4: Sycamore & Ash – Remove due to poor condition. T1:Ash – crown lift to 6m from ground level to allow light to understorey trees. T2: Ash – fell due to dieback. T3: Cherry – fell due to encroachment into garden and to provide more room for other cherry trees. T4: Willow – pollard to 3m from ground level to encourage healthy regrowth. T5: Hornbeam – crown lift to 3m from ground level to increase biodiversity. T6: Maple – crown thin by up to 25% to reduce. Split decision.
- No: 1057 Tree Preservation Order 2021, Site: Yew Tree Cottage, Manor Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0EX, Confirmation of Order.
- 4721/21/ARC Sherwood Cottage Riverside Road Dittisham TQ6 0HS. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 3, 4, 5 & 6of Planning Permission 3024/21/HHO. Withdrawn.
- 1778/21/HHO & 1779/21/LBC Dartside Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Householder application & Listed Building consent for installation of air heat source pump. Conditional Approval.
- 4778/21/HHO & 4779/21/LBC Fern Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Householder application & Listed Building consent for works to existing summer house comprising replacing existing exterior wooden French doors with same size and construction, apply new natural colour wooden cladding to exterior andfinish with clear coat protection, install new flooring, remove interior wall for flooring renewal and replace in same location and remove interior fitted cupboards and replace them. Conditional Approval.
36/22 New planning applications
- 0681/22/ARC & 0682/22/ARC 2 Watermans Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 3 and 4 of planning consents 1048/19/HHO & 1049/19/LBC.
Approve (resolution proposed Cllr Nightingale, seconded Cllr Bond, unanimous).
- 0412/22/OPA The Boatyard Old Mill Creek Dartmouth. Outline application with some matters reserved for proposed on site security building with managers accommodation as live work unit. (Neighbouring parish consultee).
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Neale, seconded Cllr Bond, unanimous).
- 0853/22/CLP Kelbechan House Capton To Capton Cross Capton Devon TQ6 0JE. Certificate of Lawfulness for proposed new shed with corrugated metal roof and timber cladding replacing existing outbuildings on existing concrete hardstanding.
Cllr Neale left the room and returned nearly immediately because SHDC’s decision will be based on the evidence provided to it and no comment is being made by DPC.
- 0485/22/FUL Bramble Torr Dittisham TQ6 0HZ. Application for access drive, platforms, building and drainage (Retrospective).
The construction contains a toilet. The method of sewage disposal is not described in the application. It appears that a septic tank has been installed. The construction is a new building in the countryside. Its construction is outside of planning policy. There is no planning justification provided in the application for the development in the countryside. The construction is in the AONB. The construction is not covered by building regulations.
Object (resolution proposed Cllr Unitt, seconded Cllr Nightingale, unanimous).
37/22 Consultations
- Dartmouth Neighbourhood Plan, Regulation 15 Consultation
Support (resolution proposed Cllr Anderson, seconded Cllr Unit, unanimous).
- Joint Local Plan, Planning for the Climate Emergency
It was commented that the plan is ambitious and a good stepping stone. They should consider how to get three phase. Overall it is supported. The Clerk will respond with the advice of Cllrs Anderson and Nightingale.
It was commented that the Plan is fairly comprehensive and ambitious. Overall it is supported. The Clerk will respond with the advice of Cllrs Anderson and Nightingale.
38/22 Support for Ukraine
It was resolved that DPC will support by expressing solidarity through signing up to the statement from the political leadership of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions as described in the National Association of Local Councils’ Ukraine Briefing paper.
It was resolved that the Clerk will write to the MP about the visa application process for refugees to come to the UK.
39/22 Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
39/22.1 Access by Fire and Rescue Emergency Services
Cllr Unitt’s Report on the meeting with the Torquay Response Group, Operations Manager, on 17 March was discussed.
The meeting’s assessment highlighted (as already discussed in Council meetings) the need for all building work applications in the congested parts of the village to include access statements that take into account emergency vehicle access.
Residents should be aware that even under ideal circumstances the fastest that a fire engine could appear in the village from Dartmouth after an emergency call is 20 minutes and from other stations in excess of half an hour; this will be longer for properties where direct vehicular access is not possible. This highlights the need for householders to maximise their own fire prevention and fire detection equipment for which there is help and advice available from the Fire Prevention Team. It also emphasises the wisdom of making an emergency call as soon as possible rather than waiting to see if it can be put out with the garden hosepipe – if it can then it is better to be able to stand down the Fire Service subsequently rather than risk a bigger incident from developing.
The Fire Prevention Team offers free home visits.
It was resolved to take the following approach. The Fire Prevention Team will be invited to the Parish Meeting on 11 May (by Cllr Unitt). If a letter box drop is done it will include fire prevention information, and flyers and information will be circulated using the parish website, magazine, noticeboards, and DPC Facebook page.
39/22.2 Update on Parish Distribution List Project
Cllr Unitt presented the proposed approach to creating a List. Data protection compliance will be assessed before the project is progressed.
Cllrs Hawkins and McKay left the meeting during this item.
39/22.3 Speed Survey
Cllr Bond reported on Ashprington PC’s project. APC is planning to use radar guns to do a local speed survey. Dittisham PC is invited to use the resources to survey speed of vehicles in and accessing the village. Some possible interventions could be interactive speed signs and a speed bump outside St George’s Church. DPC is interested in taking part and it was agreed that Cllr Bond will provide a more detailed proposal for the May meeting, including locations, community helpers, and a risk assessment.
40/22 Hedgerow Plastic Litter Pick
DPC is interested the potential for a community project to be carried out as suggested by Cllr Green. A more detailed proposal was requested for the May meeting, including a risk assessment
41/22 Encouraging our Councils to stop investing in fossil fuels
The proposal to write to DCC and to SHDC requesting faster than the current planned divestment, as circulated, was approved by resolution (three votes in favour, Cllr Unitt abstained, and Cllr Anderson voted against).
42/22 Freedom of Information and Subject Access Request
The report on DPC’s response and was received. There is an operational impact to processing the request. The FOI response is complete. The SAR response deadline is 15 May.
43/22 Information Management Software
The Clerk’s report on the review of DPC’s information management system (including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and cloud storage) was noted. It was agreed that Cllr Nightingale’s assistance would be sought initially, and that paid expertise could be sought if necessary.
44/22 Archive and Disposal of DPC Records
It was resolved that old Dittisham Court planning documents could be handed to its Management Committee rather than disposing of them.
45/22 Devon Association of Local Councils Website Access for Councillors
It was resolved that Councillors will all be provided with access to the DALC website information but asked not to book training without prior approval.
46/22 Being a Good Councillor Refresher and Code of Conduct Training for Councillors
Councillors agreed that the most suitable date offered for the training is Thursday 28 April via Zoom. Councillors supported inviting other Councils to attend.
47/22 Financial Matters
47/22.1 Financial Reports
It was resolved to approve the Reports. The balance on 31 March was £72,223.69 with earmarked reserves of £50,552.41.
The Clerk will next restate the accounts on an Income and Expenditure basis. The Finance Working Group will then consider the making of an additional repayment on the loan for the purchase of The Level Car Park.
47/22.2 Payments Due
It was resolved to authorise the following payments:
- Chagos Consulting, Parish Online training Cllr Unitt, Basics 102 – Menus and Geometries, £15.00
- Community Heartbeat Trust, Maintenance Annual Support, £396.00
- Tozer & Co Printers, DSC Permits 22/23, £231.46
- Parish Lengthsman, Sep 21 – mid Jan 22, £400.00
- SHDC, Payroll Service 21/22, £120.00
- Metric, Annual Maintenance Agreement from 1 May 22, £904.56
- Kingsbridge Websites, Website updates – new pages, £20.00
- Car Park Attendant, October 21 – March 2022, £1,000.00
- Clerk, Clerk Expenses Reimbursement CE48, £29.24
- South West Water, Quay tap – 20/12/21-16/3/22, £34.22
- SHDC, Business Rates The Ham 22/23, £2,844.30
- SHDC, Business Rates The Level 22/23, £2,694.60
- DALC, Data Protection Training, £122.40
- DALC, Annual Charge, £92.72
- Resident, Grant Hire of Toilets for Jubilee Lunch, £348.00
Approval of the reimbursement Grant for Insurance for Jubilee Lunch, £392.30 was deferred pending the name of the insured matching the name of the hirer of The Ham.
47/22.3 Payments made since the last meeting
- Adobe Pro, £25.28 per month to process Subject Access Request
- DALC Data Protection Training Invoice £16.80
47/22.4 Lengthsman’s Contract
It was resolved to confirm the renewal of the contract for one year to 31/3/23 and its form as circulated.
47/22.5 Internal Audit
It was resolved to employ Local Council Administration Services for the 21/22 Internal Audit.
47/22.6 Lloyds Bank Mandate
It was resolved to remove a previous councillor from the mandate.
47/22.7 Creation of a Personnel Committee & Membership of the Finance Working Group
This matter was deferred to the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council on 4 May.
47/22.8 Level Car Park Loan Repayment & Reserves Review
The review by the Finance Working Group was agreed above.
47/22.9 Method of Asset Valuation Policy
The Policy circulated, recording book value and insurance value, and excluding maintenance costs from the asset register, was approved.
48/22 Information circulated:
The following items were noted:
- 8/3/22 SHDC New telegraph poles being installed for the broadband project.
- 7/3/22 SHDC Council-backed low interest-rate lending scheme for local home owners to make essential repairs and efficiency improvements
- February 2022 Lloyds Bank, Change to terms and conditions
- DCC Wild About Devon Talk – Three key environmental topics: grass cutting, pesticides and tree planting. 29/4/22l, 12:00-1:30pm via Zoom.
- Dartmouth Together – Reactivation of the group and a meeting.
- TQ6 Partnership – Information provided about its role.
- Mobile Boost Scheme – Vouchers of up to £1,200 available for businesses and households towards cost of one of a number of mobile signal booster options from a registered supplier.
- Citizens Advice, Enquiry about Dittisham based support for residents in financial hardship.
49/22 Correspondence Sent
The following correspondence was noted:
- 3/3/22 DCC, Request to tarmac squares Riverside Road footpath five areas where pavement trees on the Riverside Road footpath have died
- 4/3/22 Secretary of State, Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, Local Authority Remote/Hybrid Meetings
- 4/3/22 Resident, Authorisation of work to Vegetation on The Ham
50/22 Annual Parish Meeting on 11 May at 7 p.m.
DPC is planning an engaging and useful meeting: the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service’s Fire Prevention Team, the Co-ordinator for the TQ6 Partnership (supports local people to get to the services they need), heat pumps and insulation, DPC’s achievements and plans for the next year, and more.
51/22 Next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council
The holding of the next meeting on 4 May 2022 at 7:00 p.m. was confirmed. This meeting will start with the Annual meeting of the Parish Council.
The meeting closed at 21:32.
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.
DITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Incorporating the Hamlet of Capton and the Manors of Bozomzeal and Coombe
159
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
