Apr 26, 2024 | Minutes
The Minutes can be downloaded here or read below: MN 2024 April 17 Parish Meeting Draft Minutes
DRAFT Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting
Wednesday 17 April 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in Dittisham Village Hall
Present: 28 people were present including speakers, Parish Cllrs Nightingale (Chair), Bond (Vice-Chair), Golding, Green, Lloyd, Neale, and Unitt, and A Thom (Clerk).
Parish Council Chair
Cllr Nightingale welcomed those present, reported on the Parish Council’s activities, and invited questions.
Cllr Nightingale thanked two residents for their quick response when part of the Village Hall’s wall collapsed in the middle of the night, and the Village Hall Committee and its work team on getting the road open as soon as possible.
He announced that two Parish Councillors have recently resigned: Cllrs Tucker and Cllr Hodge. He thanked them for their time and input to the Council. Cllr Tucker was thanked for 33 years of continuous service on the Parish Council and Cllr Nightingale noted that we will try to find a way to mark his long service in a permanent way.
He said that over the past year we looked at 28 planning applications and streamlined the process for how we consider applications: identifying applications as minor or major, and concentrating more closely on the major applications.
We declared personal interests nine times to be as transparent as possible. We created a standardised process for organising a planning application site visit.
The Parish Council has representatives on the Dart Harbour Community Group, the Health Services group, with Sustainable South Hams, and more. They try to represent the Parish’s interests and report back to the Parish Council.
We wrote to our MP about lack of NHS dentistry services and continue to investigate further actions. There is the possibility of a new low cost dental service in Dartmouth.
We worked with our lengthsman to keep roads clear, despite the record rain. We asked the lengthsman to do some other tasks, such as weed clearance in the village, because unfortunately budgets are constrained everywhere, so the choice is sometimes between us doing it, or it not being done.
We supported the Dart Bathing Water Status application which is now being considered by DEFRA.
We give regular grants to, for example, the Village Hall and St Georges Church.
Cllr Nightingale discussed how many tasks are carried out to keep things as they are that aren’t seen. For example, in maintaining The Ham we liaise with the South Hams District Council grounds maintenance team, who won the contract for 2024 and have done it since 2021, and do a good job. Cllrs on the Maintenance Working Group liaise with the contractors and help to adapt the contract as needed. We survey Footpaths and bridleways, and bid for grants from DCC for substantial repairs. Residents were asked to please report public footpath problems directly to Devon County Council [the authority responsible] on its website.
Guest Speakers
Brixton Parish Council, Chair: Being a Dementia Friendly Parish
The Chair of Brixton Parish Council discussed their experience with being a Dementia Friendly Parish and how Dittisham could take action.
Brixton is is one of five Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm (a registered charity) and a member of the Four Rivers Dementia Alliance, which has nineteen member Parishes.
Of the 28 people in the room six to eight raised their hands to say that they currently know someone who is affected by dementia
The Chair said that being dementia friendly is about people with dementia not experiencing judgment or stigma. It is important to see the person and not the dementia. There are about 80 kinds of dementia, with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia being the most common.
In dementia friendly parishes the person and their family continue to feel welcome. The person with dementia remains active in the community and part of what’s going on.
They provided an Action Plan for parish councils. Steps include: council and community awareness training, nominating a lead, signage (yellow and black, Arial font – available on the Alzheimer’s website), checking if public buildings are dementia friendly, and helping local businesses to be dementia friendly.
South Devon National Landscapes (AONB) Chair
The SDNL Chair discussed what the organisation does and its priorities.
There are 46 National Landscapes. The renaming came out of an independent Report about protected landscapes. It was a recommendation of the Report: because young adults don’t understand what an AONB is and the relabelling increased its profile and broadened the audience to those less than 40 years old. The purpose of SDNL is to conserve and enhance the beauty of the landscape. That is also a duty of all relevant authorities, including parish councils. SDNL is a consultee on major applications (for more than 10 dwellings) and for single dwellings with an impact on the SDNL. They work to improve engagement, access, and quality of design. SDNL recognises that national landscapes are a living and working landscapes, and that balance is required, for example between employment and protection.
SDNL works on projects in partnership – for example with the South West Coast Path Association.
Its tools are national and local legislation and its own Management Plan. It receives funding of £200,000 per year for staff and also accesses substantial project funding, such as £500,000 National Lottery funding for a four year ‘Life on the Edge’ project about the rich biodiversity of the land between the moor and the sea. SDNL administers a popular Farming in Protected Landscapes grant program. It is in its fourth year and all funds are allocated, which has provided access to additional funds.
SDNL is working with the South West Coast Path to increase access.
SDNL is not a statutory consultee, because of the cost of making that change, although it was a recommendation of the same Report, and some pressure is being applied to achieve that.
The Parish Council can ask SDNL to be involved in a specific application.
A question was asked about light pollution from bright lights on homes. The speaker replied that SDNL has a dark skies policy in its Management Plan and that neighborhood plans can include a dark skies policy. For example South Huish / Hope Cove Neighbourhood Plan has a lights off time.
There is a program to upgrade the existing AONB signs but it’s not currently funded.
A question was asked about the proposed high development next to the River Dart at Baltic Wharf in Totnes. It was explained that because of its location it is not within the remit of SDNL. The Parish Council could comment if it took the view that the project affects the character of the River and local councillors could be lobbied.
Consultations
Parish Emergency Plan
The Plan is being revised in response to pressure on emergency services and because half of the village difficult to access: Lower Street and beyond The Level. The Plan endeavours to use the time waiting for emergency services to try to ensure access. Calling emergency services remains residents’ first action. However it takes time for them to arrive – for example Fire services might take 30 minutes to arrive.
Jubilee Steps Handrail
There were no objections from the meeting and some strong expressions of support for the proposal. If someone falls please notify Devon County Council so that they are aware if there are safety issues with the Steps. There are instructions about how to report and webpage links on the Dittisham Parish website’s home page.
Commemoration of D-Day
The Parish had a very important role in the preparations for D Day. It is the 80th anniversary of the landings on Thursday 6 June 2024. There are national and local events and activities planned that Dittisham could connect with. Residents might also wish to commemorate locally – for example a walking trail of the visible remains of the D-Day preparations, documenting local involvement, or a display in the Hall. Raleigh Estate is purchasing a new post and working to have the Armada Beacon ready for the commemoration.
Announcements
Production of a Dittisham Neighbourhood Plan
DPC will be arranging a public meeting to inform residents about the potential benefit of a neighbourhood plan to provide local planning policy for Dittisham. The South Devon National Landscapes (AONB) Chair has agreed to lead this meeting. The preparation of a neighbourhood plan would be a community, not a Parish Council, project. Neighbourhood Plans can be as simple or extensive as the community chooses.
Drop in DPC availability – from 6 pm before the monthly meetings
From the 1 May meeting we will trial being in the Hall from 6:00 pm, an hour before the meeting starts, to project planning application plans requested by residents and also to be available to discuss other matters of interest to residents.
Discussion
Potholes
A resident said that Anthony Mangnall MP has asked residents to share your experiences with potholes, to inform a debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday 24th April.
The Parish Council encourages you to report potholes to Devon County Council. There are Report a Problem links on the Parish website home page which will take you to the DCC reporting page.
Light Pollution
It was suggested that the Parish Council produce a leaflet. It might be used to inform residences which release a lot of light. A Parish lights off event was suggested, perhaps linking with a national/international event.
Apr 12, 2024 | Minutes
The Minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2024 April DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council in
St George’s Church Dittisham on Wednesday 3 April 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting was relocated from the Village Hall because there was no water in the Hall, due to management of the collapse of part of the Hall’s retaining wall. The relocation was advertised as widely as possible. The Parish Council is grateful to a member of the public who was at the Hall from 6:45 to 7:15 to direct people to the new location.
a. Public Forum
i. Fall of part of the Village Hall’s Retaining Wall on The Level
Part of the retaining wall fell overnight last night. The wall is the Village Hall Management Committee’s responsibility. The Parish Council has been working to support communication and to reduce the impact on residents. The Fire and Ambulance services have been notified, as have holiday cottage operators and South Hams District Council (regarding waste collection). The Clerk was asked to also notify Police, RNLI, and Coastguard.
It was noted that access for people with mobility issues will need to be considered if The Level is not fully open to traffic during the wall’s reconstruction. It was observed that improving the surface of the access track from Rectory Lane towards Bozomzeal would make the village more resilient including if access was restricted during the wall’s reconstruction, however Rectory Lane is a private road, and the track is currently one vehicle wide with no passing places and is not suitable for motor vehicles.
ii. D-Day 80 year Commemoration
A resident described the extensive and important local involvement in D-Day. They asked the Parish Council to make further efforts: to ask the private landowner to have the beacon ready and for the event to be commemorated in the Parish.
iii. EV Charging Points
The Parish Council has been approached about the installation of public EV charging points. This will be an Agenda item in 1 May meeting.
iv. Parking Format in The Ham Car Park
The meeting agreed that the preferred parking is at 90 degrees on The Ham side and at 45 degrees on the north Ham side. The Clerk will post temporary advisory notices and plan to install permanent signs, with a view to making better use of the parking area when it is busy.
Present: Cllrs Nightingale(Chair), Bond(Vice-Chair), Golding, Hodge, Neale, and Unitt were present, as were A Thom (Clerk), Devon County Councillor Hawkins, and one member of the public was present for the open forum. There was no Zoom audioconnection.
Absent. Cllrs Green, Lloyd, and Tucker.
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Green, Lloyd, and Tucker, and from South Hams District Cllr McKay.
Declaration of Interests
Cllr Golding declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the Bozomzeal Manor planning application.
Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 March 2024.
Community Reports
South Hams District Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of SHDC Cllr McKay.
Devon County Council Councillor
DCC Cllr Hawkins commended progress made with clearing the fallen part of the Village Hall’s wall. DCC will support reopening The Level as soon as possible.
The Dartmouth Park and Ride was open for the Easter weekend.
Financial Matters
Financial Reports
It was resolved to approve the Financial Reports, which showed total funds of £81,740.40 and an unearmarked general fund of £28,738.63, and the Bank Reconciliation was noted.
Payments
It was resolved to approve the following payments:
Devon Communities Together annual membership fee, £50.00
SHDC, 22/23 Payroll, £120.00
SHDC, Ham Car Park Rates, £3,285.17
SHDC, Level Car Park Rates, £3,112.26
Clerk, March Expenses reimbursement, £22.31
It was noted that the Clerk and Chair will approve payment of the following three invoices which were received after the Agenda was circulated: annual payments for the car park machine maintenance agreement and the defibrillator support agreement, and a South West Water invoice for the tap on the Quay.
SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decision was noted:
3830/23/TCA Mill Creek Cottage, Lower Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0HY. T1-T6: Leylandii/fir trees – Fell trees due to them being vigorous growers & are taking the light from other recently planted trees that are trying to establish themselves, originally planted to quickly establish privacy from neighbours & are no longer required & particularly so if other indigenous trees & shrubs are allowed to grow, these trees kill the ground underneath them & prevent anything else from getting established, are unattractive & overpowering, surrounding deciduous trees/plants would provide a much better vista, more in keeping with the local countryside. Approved.
New Planning Applications
0398/24/HHO Mulberry House DittishamTQ6 0ER. Householder application for single storey extension to kitchen, replacement of veranda with new garden room, insertion of window to rear elevation, replacement of upvc windows and doors with timber units, replacement of single glazed timber conservatory with double glazed timber, installation of air source heat pump and internal alterations.
Support and make the same comment as for the corresponding listed building consent considered by the 14 March meeting (by resolution).
0928/24/LBC Bozomzeal Manor Bozomzeal DittishamTQ6 0JG. Listed Building Consent for repair works to main house & pump house & new floor to garage.
Cllr Golding left the meeting.
Support (by resolution).
Cllr Golding returned to the meeting.
Production of a Dittisham Neighbourhood Plan
It was resolved to approve the proposal to invite a speaker to present to Parishioners about the production of a Neighbourhood Plan and to announce that meeting at the Annual Parish Meeting. The purpose is to properly inform the Parish and see if members of the public wish to take this ‘project’ forward.
Request for Paper Copies of Plans
DPC’s response to residents’ request for provision of paper copies of planning application plans for residents to view in Village Hall was discussed. Historically the paper copies were provided by South Ham District Council. SHDC ceased providing them many years ago. Paper plans are not available at SHDC. Production by DPC was considered however it cannot currently print A3 and printing would increase the impact on the environment. It was resolved to respond to residents explain the history of the copies and to trial being in the Hall from 6 p.m. before the monthly meetings of the Parish Council. DPC will project the plans requested by residents and also be available to discuss other matters of interest to Parishioners.
Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups and External Forums
Manor St. Turning Bay Refurbishment Project
The Report from a working group of residents and a Councillor was considered. It was resolved to implement the first two items (about the management of the neighbouring wall and to weed and tidy up the area) and to obtain quotes for a contractor to resurface with donated granite sets.
Fire Task & Finish Group
It was resolved to close the Group. Its functions have been taken on by the work on the Emergency Plan.
Licence to Occupy agreement with SHDC to Install a Defibrillator on The Ham Toilet Block
It was resolved to approve signature of the proposed Licence and to authorise the Clerk to sign it on behalf of DPC.
Review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations
It was resolved to approve the reviewed Standing Orders.
It was resolved to approved the reviewed Financial Regulations.
Code of Conduct
The meeting discussed the practical application of the Code.
Cyberinsurance
It was resolved to approve the Report which has risk assessed cyberinsurance and recommends not taking insurance now, to continue cloud and offline hard drive backups, and to seek view of 23/24 internal auditor.
Reinstatement of Ham Car Park Surface post Site Compound
It was resolved to take no further action at this time, to monitor the surface, and to review in twelve months.
Dittisham Sailing Club Car Park Permits
It was resolved to confirm that the Permits are only valid if the vehicle registration number has been written on them legibly in the white space under the date, and that the Clerk will update the issue date on the related DPC Regulations.
Dittisham Residents’ Permits
It was noted that there was a period of time when renewals didn’t require evidence of current Council Tax and that this has been resolved. It was resolved to take no further action in relation to this matter.
NatWest Notice Accounts
It was noted that 35 day notice and 95 day notice accounts have been opened with balance transfers of £15,000 and 25,000 respectively.
Correspondence:
The following correspondence was noted:
Notice of election for the Police and Crime Commissioner Election being held on 2 May 2024
Meeting request – potential residential development in Dittisham
Cllr Hawkins, Change to Ashprington gritting route & Parish tow along gritter suggestion
Notice of wall collapse Dittisham Mill Creek. DCC PROW and Dart harbour now informed.
Repair of fence next to Shinners Cottages. DPC reported owner and then to DCC PROW
The Clerk will follow up on this unresolved matter.
Community Compost Opportunities-Repurposing Brown Bins 4/5/24 & 2day Community Composting 27-28/4/24
DHCG, Dart Harbour interest in reinstatement of shower in The Ham toilet block. Referred to SHDC.
Emergency flood plans for Totnes, 11/4/24 6:30-8pm, Totnes Guildhall. Speaker from the Environment Agency.
Next Meeting
It was confirmed that the next monthly meeting of the Parish Council and the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council will be held on 1 May 2024 at 7:00 pm.
The meeting closed at 21:01.
Apr 12, 2024 | Minutes
The Minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2023 04 19 Annual Parish Meeting DPC Draft Minutes
DRAFT Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held in
Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 19 April 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Eleven members of the public were present, as were Parish Councillors Anderson, Nightingale, Bond, Hodge, Lloyd, Neale, Tucker, and Unitt, and A Thom (Clerk).
1. Dittisham Parish Council Report
Cllr Nightingale reported on the Parish Council’s activities over the last year.
DPC looked at at least 32 planning applications, took part in various consultations. Councillors represented Dittisham on various groups and external forums, went to working meetings, and met with contractors.
The Dart 10K came up with new proposals for the swim and, because we felt that the event was important, we devoted a lot of time to it. Unfortunately in the end we couldn’t justify the impact on the community of the new proposed way of running the event.
DPC tried to help Parishioners to access cost of living support. A Warm Place trial event was held in The Red Lion Inn. We published energy saving information via the Parish website, DPC Facebook, and leaflets were distributed in the Village Hall and elsewhere, and we investigated grant support for those in energy hardship.
DPC also spent a lot of time dealing with some internal issues. Improvements have been made and the Council is not vulnerable to that happening again.
There is a new Personnel Committee which is looking at training, data security, healthy working conditions and a safe, pleasant and competent environment for us all.
The Clerk completed the Certificate in Local Council Administration.
We are looking at signing the Civility and Respect Pledge to address growing concerns about bullying, harassment and intimidation within the sector and to seek to collaborate with other Parish Councils to achieve that. We already benefit from good links with other Councils, including Ashprington, Blackawton, Brixton, Aveton Gifford, and Slapton.
One of our aims this year will be to improve our communication and consultation, and to involve more non-councillors in the Council’s projects.
Cllr Anderson is leaving the area and the Council. We are very sorry to see him go. He has been a great Chair, giving a jovial yet business-like character to our meetings, and his planning knowledge has been very helpful.
2. Dart Harbour Master
The Harbour Master was very pleased to attend the Meeting to discuss the work being done by Dart Harbour and talk with Dittisham’s Parishioners.
They said that Dart Harbour’s new Strategy was launched in 2022 following consultation. Dart Harbour is also working on new policies – including mooring management, with changes prioritising local residents, especially those within walking distance. A 20 year vision is to be published.
Dart Harbour will be talking to owners of boats which lay up in Dittisham Mill Creek over the winter.
A holding tank requirement is being phased in. Dart Harbour is communicating with South West Water. The water quality measure is good 95% of the time. Dart Harbour is looking into bathing water status designation for some areas but it does not yet know about the rules which govern that.
Dart Harbor is investing in a couple of physical pontoons, including Fisherman’s in Dartmouth. There is a new visitor pontoon in Dartmouth which should help Dittisham.
Dart Harbour is looking at expanding facilities for cruise ships.
There is a possible project working with other groups to map the salt marshes.
3. The Habitat Group – Hedgehog Highways
A representative of the Group discussed some of its activities.
The Habitat Group’s booklet has been a great success. It has been distributed to 850 residences in Dittisham and neighbouring parishes and 4,500 requested for Totnes.
There is a project to reintroduce water voles into the River Gara. No water voles were found in mink traps which were in place for four months. 800 water voles will be released to four sites over two and a half years. The water voles are a keynote species and so will have a positive effect on habitat.
There has been a devastating reduction in the hedgehog population over the last twenty years. This is due to cars, pesticides, and loss of habitat. The Group is encouraging the creation of hedgehog highways. The hedgehogs need a hole the size of a CD in fences. They can travel two to three miles in a night. They eat slugs and snails.
The speakers were followed by refreshments and conversation.
Mar 25, 2024 | Minutes
The Minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2024 March 14 DPC Approved Minutes F
Notes 2024 March 6 Community Reports notes by RN
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in
Dittisham Village Hall on Thursday 14 March 2024 at 7:00p.m.
a. Public Forum
i. Application to Register The Red Lion Inn as an Asset of Community Value
The application has been submitted and is being considered by SHDC who will assess the application and consider its approval. DPC conveyed our understanding that if registration is approved by SHDC this will not impact on any sale of the property currently ongoing.
ii. Why is DPC Paying for the Maintenance of the Hedge on Ham Lane
This is standard grounds maintenance as the hedge is on DPC’s property.
iii. DPC’s Management of The Red Lion Inn Freehold
A member of the public raised the matter of discussions concerning The Red Lion minuted as having taken place in the ‘closed’/non-public part of the DPC meeting. DPC clarified that as discussions involved the Lease, public discussion of what is a private legal matter is not considered appropriate. DPC are Freeholders of the Red Lion and as such have a duty to act in this capacity on behalf of the Parishioners. DPC also sought to reassure and reiterated our ongoing willingness to meet to talk matters through.
iv. Planning Application 0426/24/HHO The Manse
A resident confirmed and explained the details of the reasons for their objection to the proposals.
v. New Parish Emergency Plan
A resident confirmed their support and commended the work done by the team of Cllrs and a resident to create the Plan.
Present: Cllrs Bond (Vice-Chair and Meeting Chair), Golding, Hodge, Neale, and Tucker were present, as were A Thom (Clerk), and five members of the public in the room.
Absent. Cllrs Green, Nightingale, Lloyd, and Unitt.
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Nightingale.
Declaration of Interests
Cllr Tucker declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the item about an offer of land for a new village car park.
Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 February 2024 with the Minute of item 23 amended to: It was agreed to submit the ACV application and a plan was made on actions to take in accordance with and to manage DPC’s Freehold responsibilities and liabilities, and agreed by resolution.
Financial Matters
Financial Reports
It was resolved to approve the Financial Reports, which showed a total balance of £82,751.71 and unearmakred general fund of £28,630.56, and Bank Reconciliation.
Payments
It was resolved to approve the following payments:
Website hosting Annual Fee £140.00
Clerk, February Expenses Reimbursement £82.59
Replace slats on The Ham bench £385.44
Remove bench from The Ham & reinstate surface £120.00
Extra emptying of bins on The Ham 12 July to 31 October, £144.00 +VAT if applicable
The following payments made since the last monthly meeting were noted:
Contracted lengthsman work April 2023 to January 2024 £1,115.50
Safety tape for The Ham bench, £13.19
- Applications to DPC for Grants
Village Hall Management Committee (VHMC)
It was resolved to approve a grant of £3,000.
St George’s Church, Grounds Maintenance
It was resolved to approve a grant of £1,250.
Citizens Advice South Hams
It was resolved to approve a grant of £350.
Offer of Land for an addition Village Car Park
Cllr Tucker left the meeting.
It was resolved that this is a project that DPC wants to pursue and that the members who will be on a joint working party with the VHMC are Cllrs Green, Golding, and Bond, and that Cllr Nightingale will also be invited.
Cllr Tucker returned to the meeting.
- Agreement with SHDC to Install a Defibrillator on The Ham Toilet Block
It was resolved to agree in principle with the six year licence approach.
- Financial Matters – Accounting Basis and VAT for SHDC’s Services
It was resolved to revert to presenting the annual accounts on a Receipt and Payments basis and to correct the VAT arrangement relating to car parking receipts collected by SHDC on DPC’s behalf (Level Car Park Residents Permits and RingGo payment transactions) as per the Report’s recommendations.
- SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted:
- 4061/23/TCA Mulberry House, Dittisham, Dartmouth, TQ6 0ER. T1 – T4: Apple trees – remove. T5: Holly – remove. T6: Mulberry – lateral crown reduction of up to 1m on NE and NW sides, crown reduction on upper canopy of up to 50cm. T7 – T9: Birch – remove. Raise No Objections.
- 0348/24/ARC Dittisham Hideaway, Dittisham, TQ6 0JB. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 7 (Lighting Scheme) of planning consent 2637/23/VAR. Approved.
- 0367/24/NMM Spindlewood Higher Street Dittisham TQ6 0HT. Non Material Minor Amendment to Planning Consent 2455/21/FUL. Approved.
- New planning applications
0426/24/HHO The Manse The Level Dittisham TQ6 0ES. Householder application for the creation of driveway and off road parking area including access alterations.
Object (by resolution) and comment on issues related to change to surface water run-off, negative visual impact, climate change requirements, disparities between the planning application and the observed work carried out, and to request that a comment is sought from DCC Highways.
0455/24/LBC Bay Cottage Manor StreetDittishamTQ6 0EX. Listed Building Consent for Internal alterations to first floor layout, replacement timber windows, internal & external remedial works to all stone walls, floors & ceilings, replacement rainwater goods/fascia & barge boards.
Support (by resolution) and comment requesting a traffic management plan.
0443/24/HHO Pump Cottage The Level DittishamTQ6 0ES. Demolition of existing single storey garage & store (north side extension) & first floor dormer, removal of existing oil tank & slab, proposed internal alterations & extension to include 1no proposed ground floor single storey extension South & West facing, 1no proposed two storey extension to north to provide extended living accommodation, 1no replacement dormer, installation of new Air Source Heat Pump & modifications to existing ground floor door & window openings.
Support (by resolution).
0233/24/HHO Fingals Hotel Dittisham DartmouthTQ6 0JA. Householder application for PV cells on post 1948 garage roof.
Support (by resolution).
0241/24/LBC Mulberry House Dittisham Dartmouth TQ6 0ER. Listed building consent for single storey extension to kitchen, replacement of veranda with new garden room, insertion of window to rear elevation, replacement of upvc windows and doors with timber units, replacement of single glazed timber conservatory with double glazed timber, installation of air source heat pump and internal alterations.
Support (by resolution) with a comment about the increase in glazing and potential negative effect on habitat and neighbours amenity using DPC’s standard light pollution comment.
0489/24/HHO Laburnum Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Householder application for installation of a charger for an electric car (EV Charger).
Support (by resolution).
Consultations
The following consultations were noted:
SHDC, Public Space Protection Orders. Closes 19/03/24.
South Hams Community Action (formerly CVS) isolation survey
SHDC, Community Heroes (Young Persons, Community Champion, Community Organisation). Closes 31/3/24 The Clerk was asked to circulate information about this new award to residents.
Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority Consultation, Closes 24/03/24
Monitoring DPC’s Process to Comment on Planning Applications
It was noted that it is helpful to have planning applications for which members of the public are likely to attend the meeting at the start of the list of applications on the Agenda. This standing Agenda item is no longer needed.
Reports from Councillors with Special Responsibilities
Parish Emergency Plan Working Group
It was resolved to approve the revised Dittisham Parish Emergency Plan and associated implementation costs (as per estimate of £300) and to thank Cllr Unitt for his work leading on its production. The Plan will now go out for consultation and be on the Agenda of the Annual Parish meeting on 17 April.
Village Hall
The Report was noted.
Jubilee Steps – Project to consider installation of a handrail
It was resolved to approve the proposed location. It was resolved to consult residents about the proposal. It is planned to discuss the consultation responses in the May DPC meeting.
Maintenance Working Group
The Report on recent maintenance projects completed was noted.
Request to Hire The Ham
The application to hire The Ham for a Regatta Sports Day on 18 August was supported by resolution.
DPC Tree Risk Management Policy
The proposed Policy was approved with: an amendment to 3.2 – the PC will approve people who carry out post adverse weather checks but they don’t have to be Cllrs, and to replace details of urgent expenditure in 4.8 with a referral to Financial Regulations. Cllr Neale agreed to also carry out the post adverse weather checks.
Defibrillator Checks
The proposal to ask a resident to share weekly checks and be added to WebNos was approved and it was agreed to add one person more if possible.
Dart Harbour Communities Group
It was noted that DPC is hosting the March meeting in the Hall and it was resolved to approve a budget of up to £30 to hire the Hall.
Portrait of His Majesty The King
It was agreed to accept the Government offer of a free framed portrait and to gift it to the Hall.
Correspondence:
The following correspondence was noted:
8/2/24 SHDC launched The South Hams Housing Offer – support and financial assistance to local communities in bringing forward affordable housing developments.
9/2/24 Anthony Mangnall MP Enquiry offering to write articles for the Parish Magazine
17/2/24 Resident, Slip on Jubilee Steps
20/2/24 Village Hall Management Committee Insurance Claim made
27/2/24, SHDC, Walking and Cycling Project Update – Barriers and interventions identified
Dart Harbour Annual Open Meeting, Tuesday 12 March, 7 pm at the Flavel, Dartmouth
Invitation to Chair, Mayor of Dartmouth, Civic Lunch & Church Service on the 80th Anniversary Exercise Tiger.
Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Parish Council on 3 April 2024 at 7:00 pm was confirmed.
Closure of the Meeting
It was resolved, in accordance with the 1960 Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act, to exclude the public and press during consideration of the following items because of the confidential nature of the business.
Management of a Freehold Title
A plan on the next actions was approved by resolution.
Installation of a Railing next to Little Orchard’s Steps
It was resolved to choose the least costly of the estimates received. DPC is working to install the railing by the end of April. It was resolved to delegate to the Clerk authority, in consultation with the Maintenance Working Group Cllrs, to choose an alternative contractor if that chosen is not able to meet the timeframe.
Parish Lengthsman Contract
It was resolved to implement the optional two year extension to the contract. DPC planned to implement a system of checklist forms for monthly reports.
The meeting closed at 21:40.
Mar 1, 2024 | Minutes
The Minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2024 February DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in
Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 7 February 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
a. Public Forum
Replacement of Guttering on the Village Bus Shelter
A plan was agreed for the guttering to installed.
Letter from a Resident about the proposal to Register The Red Lion Inn as an Asset of Community Value
The letter was read out as requested by the Resident. It was agreed that the Chair will respond with an offer to meet and to advise that a decision has been made to submit an application.
Present: Cllrs Nightingale (Chair), Bond (Vice-Chair), Golding, Green, Neale, Tucker, and Unitt were present as was DCC Cllr Hawkins, A Thom (Clerk). One member of the public was present in the room during the open forum and no-one joined over Zoom. Cllr Tucker left during the meeting.
Apologies:
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Hodge and SHDC Cllr McKay.
Declaration of Interests
None declared.
Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 3 January 2024.
Community Reports
South Hams District Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of SHDC Cllr McKay.
Devon County Council Councillor
DCC Cllr Hawkins reported that he has been contacted about a proposal for new housing near Lapthorne Dip and has referred the resident to the standard planning channels. It was noted that DPC has also been contacted and the resident invited to speak to a meeting of the PC. There is a consultation about the proposed devolution of DCC and Torbay Councils. Cllr Hawkins advised viewing the consultation details on the government webpage. 3,000 objections to the proposal for parking meters in Dartmouth were delivered to County Hall, and an FOI request has been made to view consultation responses. The Dartmouth Youth Club is operating again, with rollerblading on Friday night. The Youth Club is keen to take over the current RNLI premises in Coronation Park when the RNLI moves to a new site in about 12 months. The foodbank is operating a warm hub and has started to sell sanitary items at cost, which may evolve into a community pantry service.
Financial Matters
Financial Reports
To Reports showed a total balance of £86,329.94 and an unearmarked general fund of £31,810.74.
Payments
It was resolved authorised the following payments:
Village Hall Hire, December 23 and Jan 24, £60.00
Sutcliffe flat seat swing chains, £135.00
Clerk Expenses Reimbursement January £32.57
The payment decisions made since the last monthly meeting were noted:
South West Water, The Quay Tap Sep – Dec 2023, £33.29
Annual Playground Inspection booked, £155.00+VAT
Car Park Attendant October-December 2023, £500.00
- NatWest Interest Bearing Accounts
It was resolved to place £25,000 (approximately equivalent to earmarked replacement reserve funds) in a NatWest 95 day notice interest bearing account and £15,000 in a 35 day notice account.
- Annual Risk Review
It was noted that the annual review of the Register and statement of Internal Control is taking place.
Decisions regarding DPC’s Tree inspections and additional involvement in defibrillator checks require further consideration and were deferred to the next meeting. It was resolved that the Clerk and Cllr Neale would follow up formal inspection of Old Chapel Burial Ground memorials.
- SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted:
3578/23/CLP Yew Tree Cottage, Manor Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0EX. Certificate of lawfulness for proposed single storey outbuilding. Withdrawn.
3557/23/VAR Yew Tree Cottage, Manor Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0EX. Application for variation of conditions 2 (approved drawings) & 5(privacy screen) of planning consent 3296/22/HHO. Conditional Approval
3797/23/ARC Dittisham Hideaway, Dittisham, TQ6 0JB. Application for retrospective approval of details reserved by conditions 2 (Landscaping Scheme), 3 (Hut Finishes/Treatments), 7 (Lighting Scheme) and 10 (LEMP) of planning consent 2637/23/VAR. Discharge of Conditions – Split Decision.
0001/24/ARC Yew Tree Cottage, Manor Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0EX. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 9 (Solar Panels) of planning consent 3557/23/VAR. Discharge of Condition Approved
- New planning applications
0348/24/ARC Dittisham Hideaway, Dittisham, TQ6 0JB. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 7 (Lighting Scheme) of planning consent 2637/23/VAR.
The details of the application were discussed. No comment is being made to SHDC.
0366/24/ARC Spindlewood, Higher Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0HT. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 5 (Timber Cladding), 9 (External Lighting), 18 (Roof Slate), 19 (Hard Landscaping) & 20 (Ducts, Flues, Rainwater Goods, Vents & External Attachments) of planning consent 2455/21/FUL.
The details of the application were discussed. No comment is being made to SHDC.
- New tree applications
- 4061/23/TCA Mulberry House, Dittisham, Dartmouth, TQ6 0ER . T1 – T4: Apple trees – remove. T5: Holly – remove. T6: Mulberry – lateral crown reduction of up to 1m on NE and NW sides, crown reduction on upper canopy of up to 50cm. T7 – T9: Birch – remove.
Comments closed 24 January. Assessed. No comment submitted by DPC.
Consultations
It was resolved to respond about recording the salt marsh area north of The Ham car park.
Monitoring DPC’s Process to Comment on Planning Applications
No new comments made on the process.
Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
Village Road-marking Repainting
The Report on the maintenance work carried out in 2023 was noted.
Communications
It was resolved to agree the Proposal for the WG Cllrs produce a monthly article on topical activities for the Parish Mag as per the report. Cllrs were asked to check that their entries on the Parish website are current.
Maintenance
It was resolved to agree the Proposal to remove the older bench from near the toilet block on The Ham.
It was resolved pay the contractor as quoted to replace all slats on another bench because the bench is considered dangerous. It was resolved confirm satisfactory completion of 2023 Grounds Maintenance Contract, that an invoice may be paid, and to thank the contractors for the work done.
Installation of Railing at Little Orchard Access Steps
The proposed quote document was agreed.
Installation of Defibrillators
DPC is awaiting a revised agreement with SHDC, to give DPC permission to install a defibrillator on The Ham Toilet Block. The Clerk was asked to consult with SHDC regarding action necessary regarding collection of rent.
DPC is not applying for Department of Health & Social Care Community Defibrillator match funding Scheme to install a Mindray C1A defibrillator in Capton. It was resolved to cost an alternative defibrillator, to confirm there is an electricity supply to the phone box, and to start to consider fund raising including whether the Parish of Dittisham Charity might support.
Nominations to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
It was resolved to nominate Cllr Tucker to go into the Devon draw to attend the Garden Party in recognition of his long and excellent service to the Parish Council.
Parish Lengthsman Report
The Lengthsman’s Report and invoice of 6/2/24 were noted. The item was deferred to the March meeting.
Car Park Attendant’s Temporary Absence
The advance notice of two weeks absence during the quiet season was noted.
Support of ‘The Melt’ floating art project
It was resolved to make a £50 donation and to help to publicise the event.
Correspondence:
Email from Resident, 7/1/24, Concern about water run-off due to earthworks.
Email from Resident, 26/1/24, Request for a public meeting to inform residents about ACV before proceeding.
Devon Air Ambulance Landing Sites, Visit to move box on 14 February 2024.
D-Day 80 Commemoration on 6 June 2024, https://www.d-day80beacons.co.uk/
The meeting was told that the Beacon is in the process of being replaced using local materials and it won’t be ready. There are commemoration suggestions in the online guide. This will be a future item if requested.
It was noted that thermal imaging cameras can be borrowed from SHDC and Sustainable South Hams is providing training on their use.
SHDC, 31/1/24, Advance notice of public consultation on Public Space Protection Orders.
Devolution Deal for Devon. Proposals being considered DCC and Torbay Council Cabinets.
Dittisham Charity’s AGM will take place on 8/2/24 at 2.30 pm.
Annual Parish Meeting
The arrangement for the Meeting on 17 April were confirmed including a resolution to authorise a refreshments budget of up to £80.
Next Meeting
It was noted that the next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will take place on 6 March 2024 at 7:00 pm.
Closure of the Meeting
It was resolved, in accordance with the 1960 Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act to exclude the public and press during consideration of the following item(s) because of the confidential nature of the business.
Quotes for works to benches on The Ham
It was resolved to accept the quote to remove the bench from next to the toilet block.
DPC’s responsibilities as the owner of a Freehold.
It was agreed to submit the ACV application and a plan was made on actions to take in accordance with and to manage DPC’s Freehold responsibilities and liabilities, and agreed by resolution.
The meeting ended at 21:40
Jan 9, 2024 | Minutes
The Minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2024 January DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in
Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 3 January 2024 at 7:00p.m.
Public Forum
a. Parish Lengthsman
The Parish Council’s contractor outlined the work they have recently done on keeping road drainage clear and suggested using some of the DCC grant to clear the drainage near the Capton turning. Two problems with the Kingston road were raised by Cllrs, the poor quality of the surface because edges have now eroded and a section of drainage of the road possibly blocked by the landowner, and these will be followed up by DPC with DCC.
Present: Cllrs Nightingale (Chair), Bond (Vice-Chair), Golding, Green, Hodge, Lloyd, Neale,, and Unitt, and DCC Cllr Hawkins were present, as were A Thom (Clerk). One member of the public was present in the room during the open forum and no-one attended over Zoom.
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Tucker and SHDC Cllr McKay.
Declaration of Interests
Cllr Hodge declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the works to The Ham retaining wall.
Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2024.
Community Reports
South Hams District Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of Cllr McKay.
Devon County Council Councillor
DCC Cllr Hawkins reported that DCC will receive £6.5 million annually from former HS2 funds. A new DCC trial might assist with the completion of a project to install a railing on Jubilees Steps. Cllr Hawkins has approved the grant to DPC for the trial clean of the slippery path from Lower Street to Dittisham Mill Creek. Cllr Hawkins has attended two meetings with Stagecoach regarding issues with the buses. Please let Cllr Hawkins know if you have problems. Cllr Hawkins has questioned the closing of the Fusion Leisure Centre in Dartmouth on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. The generous donations from Dittisham residents to the Foodbank are much appreciated. An allocation of over £2,000 was made to families who receive free school meals or child tax credits, £10 per primary school age child, which will be repeated later in the year. The Youth Group goes from strength to strength and will be taking children to the pantomime in Plymouth again soon. There is a planning application for a Premier Inn near Venn Lane.
Financial Matters
Financial Reports
The Financial Reports were noted.
Payments
It was resolved authorise the following payments:
Landscape Construction & Design, Trial Clean of Slippery Path, £492.00
Clerk, November expenses reimbursement, £109.70
JHB UK Ltd, Line repainting, £900.00
Cllr Hodge left the meeting.
It was resolved authorise the following payment:
Cllr Hodge returned to the meeting
Payment since December meeting
The following payment was noted.
Receipts
The receipt of the grant for the trial clean of the slippery path was noted.
2024/25 Budget and Precept Demand
It was resolved to approve the 2024/25 Budget as circulated with the following changes: to increase the Precept by £2,000 to £16,000 and not to move sick-leave liability funds out of the relevant reserve. There will be a reduction in the unearmarked general fund. This approach best recognises the financial judgement made by DPC.
- SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted:
3554/23/ARC Yew Tree Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 4 (Facing Materials for Retaining Wall) of planning consent 3296/22/HHO. Discharge of Condition Approved.
2536/23/FUL Fairholme, Riverside Road, Dittisham, TQ6 0HS . New 3 bed dwelling & detached garden store with associated carparking & landscaping. Withdrawn.
2209/23/FUL Herongate, Lower Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0HY. Conversion & extension of boathouse for short term holiday let(resubmission of 3628/22/FUL). Withdrawn.
- New planning applications
4019/23/NMM The Old Rectory Rectory Lane Dittisham TQ6 0HD. Non Material Minor Amendment for addition of velux roof light to first floor to match existing.
Support (by unanimous resolution).
- New tree applications
- 3830/23/TCA Mill Creek Cottage, Lower Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0HY. T1-T6: Leylandii/fir trees – Fell trees due to them being vigorous growers & are taking the light from other recently planted trees that are trying to establish themselves, originally planted to quickly establish privacy from neighbours & are no longer required & particularly so if other indigenous trees & shrubs are allowed to grow, these trees kill the ground underneath them & prevent anything else from getting established, are unattractive & overpowering, surrounding deciduous trees/plants would provide a much better vista, more in keeping with the local countryside.
Support (by unanimous resolution).
Consultations
The following consultations were noted. No DPC comment made. Cllrs may comment individually.
Peninsula Transport, Draft Transport Strategy. Closes 5/2/24.
South Devon Rural Housing Association, Proposed Merger with Places for People Group. Closes 7/2/24
Monitoring DPC’s Process to Comment on Planning Applications
The process to obtain further information or arrange a site visit was approved as per the Report with the addition that there must be a minimum of two attendees, and ideally three or more attendees.
Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
Parish Emergency Plan
A project to create a new Plan was agreed in principle subject to consultation with Cllr Tucker. Proposed group members are Cllrs Tucker, Unitt, Green, Lloyd, and one member of the public.
Maintenance Working Group
The Report on the trial clean of Slippery Lane was noted. The duration of the outcome will be monitored at least monthly.
Ham Events
It was resolved unanimously to approve the request from South West Gaffers to hire The Ham 16-19 August 2024. DPC will move the picnic tables prior to the event.
DPC Planning Day
The Report on the successful day was received. The proposed deletions from the Projects list were confirmed with the exception of three Council Management tasks relating to cyberinsurance, annual audit, and information management.
Registration of The Red Lion Inn with SHDC as an Asset of Community Value
It was resolved that a public meeting is not required and to make an application for registration of The Red Lion Inn as an asset of community value. It was resolved to perform due diligence regarding DPC’s freehold responsibilities prior to submitting the application. Cllrs Green and Golding will report to the 7 February meeting of DPC.
Maintenance of The Ham Retaining Wall
The discussion to plan further work required was deferred to the closed part of the Meeting.
Memorial Benches Installed on The Ham
It was commented that the new memorial bench installed near toilet block is an exemplary installation. The Clerk will write to the requestor and their installer to thank them.
The inaction by the requestor to make the modifications agreed on 23 November 2023 to the installation of the memorial bench they have installed next to the River Dart was discussed. The Clerk was asked to request the completion of the agreed actions as soon as possible and also to obtain a quote for DPC to rectify the installation of the bench for the 7 February meeting.
Correspondence:
The following correspondence was noted:
Email from Resident, 4/12/23, Grateful thanks for cleaning the slippery path
South Devon National Landscapes, South Devon AONB renamed South Devon National Landscapes
The Clerk was asked to invite SDNL to the next Annual Parish Meeting, on Wednesday 17 April 2024.
DALC, Notice of increase in Annual Fee
19/12/23, Resident, Enquiry about roadworks advertised 2-3 Jan. Investigated approved date 17-19 Jan. Final works date TBC
19/12/23, DCT, Notice of Devon Community Resilience Forum conference 22 March 2024
5/12/23, DPC asked SHDC to investigate groundworks
Next Meeting
It was confirmed that next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will take place on 7 February 2023 at 7:00 pm.
Cllr Hodge left the meeting.
Closure of the Meeting
It was resolved, in accordance with the 1960 Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act, to exclude the public and press during consideration of the following item because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.
The Ham Retaining Wall
It was resolved unanimously to approve a proposal for work to install a length of concrete ledge, filling in the gap in the ledge which is closest to the car park where the wall is becomingly increasingly undermined, and to make good gaps between new footing and stone work in the wall as required in the same area (estimate £1,100 and a £250 contingency respectively). The aim is to do the work as soon as tides permit.
