Dec 19, 2023 | Minutes
The Minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2023 December DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in
Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 6 December 2023 at 7:00p.m.
Public Forum
a. South Devon Rural Housing Association
The Chief Executive of SDRHA spoke to the meeting and answered questions. SDRHA needs to decide whether to spend approximately £50,000 on works required to a property in the village or alternatively to sell that property and use the funds elsewhere. A similar property was advertised recently. There were no applicants from the Parish.
Present: Cllrs Nightingale (Chair), Bond (Vice-Chair), Golding, Green, Hodge, Lloyd, Neale, and Unitt, SHDC Cllr McKay, and were present, as were A Thom (Clerk). One members of the public was present in the room during the open forum and one over Zoom.
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Parish Cllr Tucker and DCC Cllr Hawkins.
Declaration of Interests
Cllr Golding declared an Other Registerable Interest in the Yew Tree Cottage planning application, Cllr Hodge declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in works to The Ham retaining wall, and Cllr Nightingale declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the proposal to register The Red Lion Inn as an asset of community value.
Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2023.
Community Reports
South Hams District Council Councillor
SHDC Cllr McKay reported that SHDC is working on its Council Plan. Housing is a priority. There is a South Hams Housing Officer. They plan to assist CLTs: including provision of a template of support and help to broker with housing associations when delivering housing.
SHDC is has acquired land at South Brent for a community forest. It will generate income. SHDC will be able to sell carbon offsets. Investment in Elm Community Energy is under consideration.
The University of Western England has produced a report on the impact of climate change on the South Hams. Part one has been provided and part two, regarding sea level and flooding, will follow. South Hams will have milder winters with more rainfall and hot dry summers – with an effect on farming and river flows and requiring water conservation and rainwater harvesting. SHDC needs an agriculture/food Officer in Cllr McKay’s view. It has a Marine Officer.
The waste system seems to be working well.
The provision of a limited and cheap private dentistry offer in Dartmouth is being discussed.
Devon County Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of DCC Cllr Hawkins.
Financial Matters
Financial Reports
The Financial Reports were noted. They showed an unearmarked general fund of £34,351.24 and a total balance of £90,984.88 on 1 December. The creation of a summary Risk Register and a summary notification of significant variances of the budget were proposed by Cllrs.
Payments
It was unanimously resolved to approve the following payments:
Scribe, Accounting Software Annual, £328.32
Tindle Newspapers, Contract Advert, £95.04
Sportsman’s Arms, DPC Planning Day refreshments, £116.50
Dittisham Village Hall, Hire September to November, £111.00
Clerk, November expenses reimbursement, £29.76
23/24 Salary Award
The Award was noted and it will now be implemented in accordance with the contract.
Draft Budget 2024/25
The draft budget was discussed. The Clerk said that there are insufficient funds available in the draft budget for planned standard replacement reserve allocations. The draft budget will next be examined in more detail by the Finance Working Group, for discussion by the 3 January meeting of DPC, and if necessary an extraordinary meeting can be held later in January to finalise.
SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted.
2638/23/FUL Dittisham Hideaway Treehouses Shepherds Lodges & Airstream Dittisham TQ6 0JB. Renovation & extension of existing gravel forest track (retrospective). Conditional Approval.
2786/23/CLB Mill Creek Cottage Lower Street Dittisham TQ6 0HY. Certificate of lawfulness for proposed works to a Listed Building comprising installation of chimney pot(s). Cert of Lawfulness (Proposed) Certified.
2921/23/VAR Laburnum Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Application for variation of condition 1 (approved drawing) of planning consent 0479/19/VAR. Conditional Approval.
New planning applications
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.
Cllr Golding described the application and relevant planning policy before leaving the room.
DPC resolved to comment as follows:
a. Support – Privacy screen wall. Councillors noted that the proposed privacy screen wall appears to meet the 1.7 metre requirement set by SHDC and therefore support this approach.
b. Object – Proposed glazed gable windows and Juliette balcony. Councillors consider that these create increased light pollution, are associated with the possibility of overlooking, and do not meet the requirement to conserve or enhance the character of the Conservation Area.
c. Object – Proposed solar PV panels on the roof. Councillors object to the visual impact on the AONB and the Conservation Area. It is requested that tiles or integrated panels are used.
DPC’s standard light pollution comment will be made.
DPC will also reply to SHDC noting that in examining this application an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for the use of a garden shed on the rear of the property as a dwelling was noted. DPC noted that there appears to be no supporting evidence for this assertion and that the planning impact, if it was to be approved, would be to allow the construction of an ancillary dwelling within Permitted Development parameters, with associated potential impact on the character of the Conservation Area and the AONB.
Cllr Golding returned to the room.
Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
Maintenance
Consultations
No DPC comment made. Cllrs and members of the public may comment individually.
Monitoring DPC’s Process to Comment on Planning Applications
Cllr Neale suggested making arrangements for a site meeting or pre-meeting discussion of applications which meet DPC’s ‘major’ application criteria.
Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
Health
The Dartmouth PPG meeting report was noted. Cllrs Nightingale and Hodge are pursuing collaboration with other organisations regarding the current Government policy to fund the provision of NHS dentistry to only half of the population and with no system to target those most in need. Information about the new NHS app will be shared on Facebook.
Parish Emergency Plan
The project to create a new Plan was deferred.
Maintenance of The Ham Retaining Wall
The Clerk reported that the repair of one area of the wall on the southern end of the wall is complete, there has been further deterioration of the undermining of the longest section of the wall without a concrete ledge which is vulnerable to winter easterly weather, and a project about repairing this latter section will be progressed as soon as possible.
Reinstatement of the surface The Ham Car Park
Liaison is ongoing to agree action to reinstate the surface.
Memorial Bench Installed
The bench installed in November near the River Dart was noted. The installer has agreed to modify the installation and the work remains pending.
Registration of The Red Lion Inn with SHDC as an Asset of Community Value
It was resolved to address this matter in the 3 January meeting of DPC: to decide if a public meeting is required and who to invite or to make an application to SHDC for registration.
Parish Lengthsman Report
The item to note the report and advise of DCC ‘infrastructure’ grant work required was deferred.
Correspondence:
The following correspondence was noted:
1/11/23 Resident, Complaint – That vegetation cut back at southern end of Ham is dangerous.
7/11/23 Resident, Request for clearing of weeds next to the Church wall
16/11/23 SHDC, Planning training town and parish councils Wednesday, 24 January (4.00pm-7.00pm), On-line
24/11/23, Resident, Dittisham Plum Project, Request for records about location of Dittisham Plum trees in the Parish
Next Meeting
The next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will take place on 3 January 2024 at 7:00p.m.
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 commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.
2023/27 Grounds Maintenance Contract
It was unanimously resolved to accept the least costly quote of £3,511.31 for the next grounds maintenance contract.
Maintenance of hedge on Ham Lane next to Riverside House
It was unanimously resolved to accept the least costly quote of £590.
2023/24 Internal Auditor
It was unanimously resolved to accept the least costly quote of £150.
The meeting closed at 10:29.
Nov 23, 2023 | Minutes
The approved minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2023 October 04 DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 4 October 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Public Forum
a. Parking on the Foreshore next to The Ham Car Park
A member of the public advised the meeting that they have observed frequent parking on the foreshore next to The Ham Car Park and that this takes place when there are plenty of spaces free in the car parking area.
The Clerk will research the process to enforce in this location and report to DPC.
b. Learning from recent Fire on Manor Street
A member of the public asked to attend the visit to the Dartmouth Fire Station to view the service and receive feedback on the Fire Service’s response to the recent Fire on Manor Street. They asked DPC to make a Freedom of Information request to view the Fire Service’s Report.
Present: Cllrs Nightingale (Chair), Bond (Vice-Chair), Golding, Hodge, Lloyd, Neale, Tucker, and Unitt were present, as were A Thom (Clerk), SHDC Cllr McKay, and three members of the public.
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Green and DCC Hawkins.
Declaration of Interests
None declared.
Invitation to visit the Dartmouth Fire Station
This item was moved up the Agenda at the Chair’s discretion.
Cllrs Lloyd, Bond, and Unitt, and SHDC Cllr McKay will attend the visit to the Dartmouth Fire Station to receive feedback about the recent incident in Dittisham. A proposed meeting date was agreed. Members of the public representing more difficult to access locations in the Parish will be invited.
Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2023.
Community Reports
Devon County Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of DCC Cllr Hawkins.
South Hams District Council Councillor
SHDC Cllr McKay reported that SHDC is currently consulting on its Corporate Plan. The Plan contains high level goals. There is a focus on affordable housing. SHDC is looking at the creation of an umbrella Community Land Trust to help to progress projects. They are not affected by Right to Buy and are used in Cornwall. SHDC is looking at how it can improve planning enforcement. Climate change and biodiversity are a priority. A symposium is being organised for November – with invitations within and outside the District. SHDC is considering food distribution and production with a view to shortening the supply chain and challenging supermarkets.
Funds are available for composting projects. Sustainable South Hams’ proposal has been accepted and it will coordinate. The problem with street cleaning is being investigated and the effectiveness of street sweepers being looked at, with another piece of kit purchased.
Financial Matters
Financial Reports
It was resolved to approve the Reports which showed a total balance of £94,898.70 and unearmarked general fund of £38,265.06.
Payments & Receipts
It was resolved to authorise the following payments:
Level Car Park loan annual repayment, £5,000
Car Park Attendant, July-September, £500
Clerk, Expenses reimbursement, £63.76
South West Water, Quay tap July-September, £26.73
The receipt of the second Precept instalment, £7,000, was noted.
- 22/23 Audit
The Report from the External Auditor was considered. There are two except for matters raised: the restating of the 21/22 AGAR figures did not include reversal of 2020/21 creditors, and that creditors and debtors have been incorrectly included in the bank reconciliation.
DPC has existing advice that the car park income collected by SHDC on DPC’s behalf SHDC is not a debtor. DPC will consider further how to present the 23/24 accounts to the external auditor. DPC will review whether there is sufficient benefit from presenting the accounts on an Income and Expenditure basis to justify the additional complexity.
It was resolved to approve the report and to note the actions being taken to respond to it.
- New planning applications
2638/23/FUL Dittisham Hideaway Treehouses, Shepherds Lodges & Airstream, Dittisham, TQ6 0JB. Renovation & extension of existing gravel forest track (retrospective)
It was resolved respond that DPC is concerned about the potential effect on the wildlife, especially when assessment only possible after the development has been carried out, and to note that this is the second recent retrospective planning application. DPC is would like to see the due planning process followed.
2921/23/VAR Laburnum Cottage, Manor Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0EX. Application for variation of condition 1 (approved drawing) of planning consent 0479/19/VAR.
DPC is not able to comment on the application. The necessary drawing(s) of the proposal have not been provided on the planning website. They were requested on 18 September and again since then. DPC will respond to request that the application be re-advertised because the proposal has not been advertised in accordance with the legal requirements.
2786/23/CLB Mill Creek Cottage Lower Street Dittisham TQ6 0HY. Certificate of lawfulness for proposed works to a Listed Building comprising installation of chimney pot(s).
For information.
2965/23/PDM Barn At Sx 840 529, Capton. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed change of use of agricultural buildings/barns to 4No dwelling houses (class C3) & for associated development (Class Q (a+b)).
For information.
Monitoring DPC’s Process to Comment on Planning Applications
The initial three categories can be reduced to two – Minor and Major. The working copy of the Agenda will note the category. If a second retrospective application is received from same source that will trigger closer examination.
Consultations
SHDC, Draft Corporate Strategy, Closes Monday 23 October.
Councillors can comment individually.
Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
Task & Finish Group for the Review of the Use of The Ham Policy
The TAFG report, regarding private residences’ access over The Ham, charging for use of the car park as a site compound, hire deposits, & parking on the foreshore, and the Clerk’s reports were considered.
It was agreed that the matter of granting specific permission to private residences for vehicles to have access over The Ham required further consideration.
The Clerk will report to South West Water potential issues with its outfall pipe.
Maintenance Working Group
The MWG’s report & the Clerk’s on the management of the private accesses to The Ham were noted. The Clerk will discuss with owners of Little Orchard their access. It was resolved add Cllr Unitt to the MWG.
Village Hall Management Committee
The Annual Premises Report provided by the VHMC was noted.
DALC Conference
Due to the lateness of the hour it was agreed that written report from Cllrs Nightingale and Hodge would be circulated.
Registration of The Red Lion Inn as an Asset of Community Value
Questionnaires are available on-line and have been delivered in the Parish and to East Cornworthy because its residents use The Red Lion Inn. Whether it is appropriate to submit an application to SHDC to register The Red Lion Inn as an asset of community value will be dependent on the responses received.
Correspondence
The following correspondence was noted:
A Mangall MP, invitation Open meeting SWW, Thursday 19th October @ 17:30 Dartmouth
Mayor of Totnes to Chair, Civic Service, & Civic Sunday Lunch, 22/10/23, RSVP 12th October
18/9/23 SHDC Cllr McKay & DCC regarding local flooding. Responded re local status and prevention measures.
19/9/23 Email from a resident, Request to bring Dart 10K back into Dittisham. Advised not feasible due to lack of event parking.
15/09/23, Sent to South Devon Rural Housing Association, Long-term Vacant Housing in Dittisham.
11/9/23, Email How to stop people parking on the foreshore next to Ham Car Park
Electrical Safety Fund grants scheme for local projects, closes 22 October 2023
Farming Community Network, request for support & information services available
Next Meeting
The next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will be on 1 November 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
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 and employment nature of the business respectively.
Complaint
The Parish Council made a careful consideration of the factors raised by the complainant. The Clerk will respond.
Personnel Subcommittee
It was resolved unanimously to re-evaluate the role into the LC2 above substantive range and to increase the Clerk’s pay point backdated to April 2023.
Nov 21, 2023 | Minutes
The Minutes can be downloaded here or read below: MN_2023 November DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in
Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 1 November 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Public Forum
a. 2536/23/FUL Fairholme Riverside Road Dittisham TQ6 0HS.
The applicant described the application and advised that the application has neighbours’ support.
Present: Cllrs Nightingale (Chair), Bond (Vice-Chair), Hodge, and Tucker and were present, as were A Thom (Clerk), three members of the public in the room and four over Zoom (including Cllr Neale).
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Parish Cllrs Golding, Green, Lloyd, Neale, and Unitt, SHDC Cllr McKay, and DCC Cllr Hawkins.
Declaration of Interests
Cllr Nightingale declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the Red Lion Inn Asset of Community Value item on the Agenda.
Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 October 2023.
Community Reports
South Hams District Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of SHDC Cllr McKay.
Devon County Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of DCC Cllr Hawkins.
Financial Matters
Financial Reports
It was resolved to approve the financial reports.
Payments
It was resolved to approve the following payments:
Metric, Ticket rolls (2), £118.49
DALC, Conference, two attendees, £108.00
Clerk, Expenses Reimbursement October, £146.79
The payment made since the last monthly meeting was noted:
Registration of The Red Lion Inn with SHDC as an Asset of Community Value
Cllr Nightingale left the meeting.
Cllrs noted survey responses received. Further information was requested about existing assets of community value and the process, for consideration by the December meeting. The holding of a public meeting was discussed, in December or January as appropriate for maximum attendance, and for the relevant SHDC Officer to be invited.
Cllr Nightingale returned to the meeting.
- SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted:
2965/23/PDM Barn At Sx 840 529 CaptonApplication to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed change of use of agricultural buildings/barns to 4No dwellinghouses (class C3) & for associated development (Class Q (a+b)). Prior Approval Given.
2637/23/VAR Dittisham Hideaway Dittisham TQ6 0JB. Variation of conditions 1 (Approved Drawings) 2 (Landscaping Scheme), 3 (Finishes/Treatment to huts), 4 (Surface WaterManagement Scheme), 7 (Lighting), 9 (Ecological report & LEMP), 10 (Sewage Disposal) and 11 (DEV32) of planning consent 0546/21/FUL. Conditional Approval.
2812/23/TCA Langscott Lower Street Dittisham TQ6 0HY. T1 Judas tree – fell and replace – tree splits off into multi-stems from just above ground level & decay is present within this union. No Objection Raised.
- New planning applications
2536/23/FUL Fairholme Riverside Road Dittisham TQ6 0HS. New 3 bed dwelling & detached garden store with associated car parking & landscaping.
Support (by unanimous resolution) with the following provisions: DPC’s comment about the reduction of light pollution will be made, request and amendment to the Construction Management Plan such that deliveries are not made during the School buses’ arrival and departure times, and to request clarity regarding whether the development is located in the countryside – if this is the case SHDC previously applied a ‘Devon clause’.
3554/23/ARC Yew Tree Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 4 (Facing Materials for Retaining Wall) of planning consent 3296/22/HHO.
Support (by unanimous resolution).
- Consultations
The following consultations were noted:
Feedback was noted that would be really helpful if SHDC received feedback from residents about dogs on leads; dog fouling and any issues that you may have.
SHDC Council Tax Reduction Scheme Review. Closes 28/11/23
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Level of Council Tax contribution. Closes 30/11/23.
Monitoring DPC’s Process to Comment on Planning Applications
The Clerk will note major or minor on the draft Agenda and also watermark the draft accordingly.
Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
Maintenance
Grounds Maintenance Contract: The proposed specifications have been circulated. It was agreed that the Clerk will finalise final edits in consultation with the MWG Councillors, the contract will be advertised, including in the Dartmouth Chronicle, with quotes to be provided to the December meeting of the Parish Council. The term will be an initial one year and an optional extension of three years.
DCC has advised that based on existing evidence it is not able to agree to install or maintain a railing on the Jubilee Steps. A community project to collect further information was suggested. A meeting with DCC Cllr Hawkins and the DCC Neighbourhood Officer to view and walk down the Steps will be requested.
It was resolved to authorise for the DCC recommended contractor to clean the slippery path paying their hourly rate provided and the cost to hire equipment up to the £500 grant from DCC Cllr Hawkins. Co-ordination with the possible application of tape will be necessary.
Health
It was resolved to to seek collaboration with other organisations regarding querying the national dentistry policy and to then write again to MP Anthony Mangnall.
Car Parks
DPC will carry out a review of DPC Car Park Charges for discussion by the December meeting.
DPC Planning Day
It was resolved to authorise a budget of up to £180 for the 2023 DPC Cllrs Planning Day.
Finance
It was resolved to open interest bearing accounts with NatWest (35 day and 95 day notice accounts) and Lloyds (instant access account), and to transfer £5,000 from NatWest to Lloyds accounts.
Management of Private Accesses to the Ham and Hedge on Ham Lane
It was unanimously resolved to write to all affected residences about DPC’s risk management of the accesses from private residences to The Ham and that quotes will be obtained for DPC to carry out maintenance of the hedge next to Riverside House.
Dittisham Sailing Club Permits for The Ham Car Park
It was unanimously resolved that the Ham Car Park Permits arrangement with the Dittisham Sailing Club will continue for the 24/25 permits.
DPC Subscription Emails
It was unanimously resolved that that Councillors will subscribe individually to subscriptions of interest to them, in place of the existing system of the emails being forwarded.
DPC Laptop Update and Back up
The Report was noted. In response to an intermittent problem with the laptop failing to boot up its software and BIOS have been updated and an external hard drive purchased to provide a second backup. It was unanimously resolved to support.
Dementia Friendly Parish
Brixton Parish Council will be invited to speak to the next Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 17 April 2024 starting at 7:00 pm.
Remembrance Service on Sunday 12 November
The arrangement for Parish Council’s representative at the Service were confirmed and it was resolved to approve a donation of £50 to the Royal British Legion.
Correspondence
The following correspondence was noted:
Sent to SWW, 9/10/23, Request to maintain & monitor sewage outfall infrastructure on the beach
Sent to Friends of the Dart, 20/10/23, Description of the ownership and operation of The Ham
11/10/23 to Builders, Discussion about minimising the impact of the project’s builders’ vans
12/10/23, To DPC Chair, Questionnaire regarding proposal register The Red Lion Inn as an ACV
SHDC, Residents Permits Reminder Emails system is operating correctly. Check spam folder.
SHDC, Invitation to advertise Christmas events in its website, social media and print campaigns
West Dart Bus, Grant application form received. DPC will consider in its budgeting process.
SHDC, 26/10/23, Elections notice of canvassing to confirm missing Electoral Registration details
DALC, ‘Connect’ event 25/10/23 10:00, Devon Housing Commission and its work on Devon housing crisis
Next Meeting
The next meeting of DPC will be on 6 December 2023 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 items because of the commercial-in-confidence or employment nature of the business.
Repainting Road Marking on Ham Lane and in The Level Car Park
It was resolved to accept the quote from JHB UK Ltd.
Repair of The Ham Retaining Wall
Cllr Hodge declared a disclosable pecuniary interest and left the meeting.
No quotes have been received for the full work described in the brief document. There is one area of work which is more structural and of concern at the southern end of the wall. A revised brief will be used to request quotes for this work to be done as soon as possible. The Clerk and Chair are minded to approve for this work to be done prior to the December meeting. A revised brief can then be send for quotes for the remainder of the work to be done in the spring. This approach was supported in principle by those present.
Cllr Hodge returned to the meeting.
Annual Leave Application
The Clerk’s annual leave request was approved.
The meeting closed at 21:36.
Sep 20, 2023 | Minutes
The Minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2023 September 06 DPC Approved Minutes
Approved Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall
on Wednesday 6 September 2023 at 7:00p.m.
a. Public Issues
No issues raised.
Present: Cllrs Nightingale (Chair), Bond (Vice-Chair), Golding, Green, Hodge, Tucker, and Unitt were present, as was A Thom (Clerk), and the Parish Lengthsman for his Report.
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Lloyd, Neale, and SHDC Cllr McKay.
Declaration of Interests
Cllr Nightingale declared an other registrable interest in the Friends of the Dart Bathing Water Status Application. It was resolved to approve the written request for a dispensation to speak on the item.
Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 July 2023.
Community Reports
Devon County Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of DCC Cllr Hawkins.
South Hams District Council Councillor
Deferred in the absence of SHDC Cllr McKay.
Financial Matters
Financial Reports
Approval of the financial reports was deferred.
Payments
It was resolved to authorise the following payments:
Village Hall, Hire April to July 2023, £120.00
Clerk Office Expenses Reimbursement, £66.83
The payments made since the last monthly meeting were noted:
Parish Lengthsman, 22/23 final Lengthsman invoice, £264.00
Parish Lengthsman, Weeds Project March 2023, £308.00
Parish Lengthsman, Weeds Project April – June 2023, £241.50
South West Water, March – June 2023, £32.01
Parish Lengthsman
The lengthsman gave a verbal report about works carried out in the Parish. They will plan to do the weeds clearance on Dittisham Hill as soon as possible.
Reporting Salary Payments
The advice via DALC that the payments do not have to be reported in the Minutes was noted.
- SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted:
- 2034/23/COM Land at SX 857 053 Lapthorne Farm Dittisham Dartmouth TQ6 0JF. Notice of intention to install a telegraph pole at 10.5m high (9m above ground) for the provision of FTTP. Permitted development
2284/23/TEX Langscott, Lower Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0HY.Proposed works: T1 & T2: Silver Birch – Fell due to both trees are dead. Grant Exemption.
2385/23/TCA Rose Grove, Lower Street, Dittisham, Dartmouth, TQ6 0HY. T1: Christmas spruce – fell due to close proximity to property on a slope, risk of blowing over. No Objections raised.
The Clerk was asked to enquire about the reason for not requiring planting of replacement trees.
1883/23/FUL Newstone Blackawton TQ9 7DR. Erection of agricultural building. Conditional Approval.
- Planning applications received since the 5 July 2023 meeting
2245/23/VAR Greenslades Higher Street Dittisham TQ6 0HT. Application for variation of condition 2 (approved drawings) of planning consent 1446/21/HHO (retrospective).
It was decided not to call an extraordinary meeting to comment.
2385/23/TCA Rose Grove Lower Street Dittisham Dartmouth TQ6 0HY. T1: Christmas spruce – fell due to close proximity to property on a slope, risk of blowing over.
The Clerk and Tree Wardens responded. TPO not requested.
- New planning applications
2209/23/FUL Herongate Lower Street Dittisham TQ6 0HY. Conversion & extension of boathouse for short term holiday let (resubmission of 3628/22/FUL).
Object (by resolution, one abstention)
DPC’s view agrees with assessment carried out by the SHDC Planning Officer in the pre-application assessment for the previous, withdrawn application: The site is sensitive due to its location in the AONB and immediately adjacent to the Undeveloped Coast, the proposal would extend the habitable accommodation and associated activity close to the foreshore, and it would have an adverse impact on the levels of tranquillity and would fail to conserve and enhance the AONB. DPC also objects because it considers that the proposal would have a negative impact on the character of the Conservation Area is is located within. DPC’s objection is also informed by its observation that the proposed build does not incorporate on-site renewable energy generation, energy storage, or low and zero carbon space and water heating systems, and that the SHDC’s delivering biodiversity net gain and habitat improvements criteria is not met. DPC’s standard comment on light pollution will be made. DPC requests that if SHDC was minded to approve the application a Construction Management Plan be required because of the location’s access issues and the large volume of earth which would need to be removed.
- 2637/23/VAR Dittisham Hideaway Dittisham TQ6 0JB. Application for variation of condition 1 (Approved Drawings) and discharge of conditions 2 (Landscaping Scheme), 3 (Finishes/Treatment to huts), 4 (Surface WaterManagement Scheme), 7 (Lighting), 9 (Ecological report & LEMP), 10 (Sewage Disposal) and 11 (DEV32) of planning consent 0546/21/FUL
No comment (resolved unanimously). The Clerk was asked respond to SHDC to note that this is a retrospective application and has therefore not been described correctly on the application form.
Monitoring DPC’s Process to Comment on Planning Applications
It was noted that 2209/23/FUL would be evaluated as requiring discussion.
- New tree applications
- 2812/23/TCA Langscott Lower Street Dittisham TQ6 0HY. T1 Judas tree – fell and replace – tree splits off into multi-stems from just above ground level & decay is present within this union.
It was resolved not to object to the works and to request that replacement trees are planted.
Consultations
No comment made by DPC.
No comment made by DPC.
The Clerk was asked to share the survey with the community. It was resolved that the Clerk would respond on behalf of DPC in consultation with Cllr Nightingale. The Clerk was asked to write to the relevant housing association to ask that a property on The Level which has been empty for about six months is used for accommodation and copy to SHDC.
Charging for DPC Car Parks
It was resolved to add to the brief for the TAFG for the Review of the policy for private residences access over The Ham a review of DPC’s policy for charging for DPC approved use of its car parks eg site compounds. It was resolved to pursue the outstanding invoice for a site compound and to communicate that DPC withdrew the planned penalty charge for the compound remaining beyond 31 March.
Traffic Accident affecting The Ham
The Report on an accident in August 2023 was noted. I was agreed to accept Cllr Tucker’s offer to arrange for the replacement post.
Private Accesses to The Ham
It was noted that risk assessments are being done and that the Clerk has requested the Maintenance team cut back the hedging next to private access onto Ham Lane to improve visibility.
Registration of The Red Lion Inn as an Asset of Community Value
It was agreed to seek evidence of community support to purchase and run the asset, to continue to further the social wellbeing or social interests of the community using the relevant questions on SHDC’s application form. DPC’s methods will include web-based and paper forms, Parish Magazine, and a petition. Cllr Nightingale will discuss with the owner.
Friends of the Dart Bathing Water Status Application
Cllr Nightingale described the proposal before leaving the room.
It was unanimously resolved that DPC will submit a letter of support.
Cllr Nightingale returned to the room.
Community Consultation Process
The Clerk noted that a report and resources have been provided to DPC.
Proposal for a DPC WhatsApp Group
DPC Councillors chose not to participate in a WhatsAppGroup to be used for short DPC communications.
DALC AGM Conference and Exhibition
The event on 27/09/23 was noted. It was resolved that DPC would pay the attendance expenses of attending Cllrs. Tickets £45 per DPC attendee. Cllrs Nightingale and Hodge are attending.
Correspondence
The following correspondence was noted:
Invitation, South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership, online 26/10/23 at 2:00 pm
9/8/23, Stagecoach, Bus service changes from Sunday 3/9/23
AONB Farming in Protected Landscapes grant scheme. Extended until March 2025.
31/8/23, Introductory email from new Stakeholder Liaison Team, DCC Highways
South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership, Let’s Talk Teenagers and Let’s Talk Pre-Teens, Support sessions for parents in September & October
Scribefest, 21/09/23, (Online), Free
Next Meeting
It was noted that the next monthly meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will take place on 4 October 2023 at 7:00 pm.
The meeting closed at 9:10 pm.
Jul 10, 2023 | Minutes
The Approved Minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2023 July 05 DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in
Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 5 July 2023 at 7:00p.m.
Present: Cllrs Nightingale (Chair), Bond (Vice-Chair), Golding, Lloyd, Neale, Tucker, and Unitt were present, as were SHDC Cllr McKay and DCC Cllr Hawkins, A Thom (Clerk), and eight members of the public.
Apologies:
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Green and Hodge.
Declaration of Interests
Cllr Unitt declared an interest in Item 7: Dittisham Mill Creek Jetty.
Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the minutes of the meetings held on 7 June and 19 June 2023 with one change: to add Cllr Neale as present on 19 June.
Public Issues
Dittisham Mill Creek Jetty
Cllr Golding described the matter and the questions being asked of DPC by Dart Harbour Navigation Authority. Seven members of the general public and a representative of DHNA were present to discuss this item. The meeting was informed that in addition to the response already received from the AONB Estuaries Officer, DHNA has asked the Environment Agency and Natural England for their views.
Community Reports
South Hams District Council Councillor
SHDC Cllr McKay reported that SHDC has been very busy including: a climate change advisory panel has been set up and hopes to meet in July, work on housing, preparing for an assembly information event, and building a corporate strategy.
The Waste team’s current focus is to complete the rollout of the new system, which is planned to finish by October 2023.
Cllr Hawkins commented that the return of one small mechanical sweeper to be based in Dartmouth has been requested, which would improve its access to the parishes.
Devon County Council Councillor
DCC Cllr Hawkins reported that he has been busy with enquiries about highways issues. The Health and Wellbeing Centre is now running and appears a good facility to serve Dartmouth and surrounds. Parking charges are a concern and discussion is ongoing. SHDC has agreed that the Park and Ride parking will be charged for in winter. Funding is reserved for a residents parking project for Seymour Drive if required. The Youth Club is active on Tuesday nights in Coronation Park and in the Leisure Centre three nights per month. The Foodbank is busy and the generous support from Dittisham is appreciated. Cllr Hawkins has attended a Teams meeting with South Devon and Torbay NHS. Cancer services in Torbay have very good referral times. There will be a new contract for management of the Torbay Hospital car parks.
Cllr Hawkins was asked to investigate repair of potholes between Dittisham and Totnes. Cllr Hawkins will pick up the proposal for a new non-NHS basic dental service in his role as Chair of the SHDC Overview and Scrutiny Committee. It was suggested that DCC and SHDC Cllrs ask other parishes to also write to their MPs regarding lack of access to local NHS Dentists.
Fire on Manor Street
A Task and Finish Group was created, composed of Cllrs Bond, Lloyd, and Tucker, to consider actions which can be taken using learning from the recent occurrence of a vehicle catching fire after reversing up Manor Street from below the turning bay. The TAFG will report back to DPC in October 2023 or later.
DCC Cllr Hawkins said that the next HATOC meeting to consider a bulk Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is in November 2023 and to submit any application as soon as possible. Cllr Nightingale hopes to look at The Level with the DCC Neighbourhood Officer on 6 July to consider the possibility of new double yellow lines. The Fire Service will be asked its view of access through The Level.
DCC Cllr Hawkins reported that he has met with the Fire Service and a narrow vehicle is now based in Dartmouth again but more trained firemen are needed (four per engine).
Dittisham Mill Creek Jetty
Cllr Unitt left the meeting during this item.
Dart Harbour Navigation Authority has asked for DPC’s feedback regarding the public utility and impact of the jetty.
It was unanimously resolved to Support the jetty with the proviso that the measures already discussed and outlined by Dart Harbour are put in place. These measures include appropriate signage, a suitable contract, to manage public liability and insurance, to ensure an acceptable standard of construction and maintenance, to install safety measures that DHNA decides are appropriate, such a life buoy, and to ensure that this jetty does not create a precedent.
Cllr Unitt returned to the meeting.
Financial Matters
Financial Reports
It was unanimously resolved to approve the Reports which showed a total balance of £85,286.85 and an unearmarked general reserve of £28,345.21 on 30 June 2023.
Payments
It was unanimously resolved to approve the following payments:
DALC Chair Training Course £36.00
DALC Being a Good Councillor full £90.00
Clearance of Gulleys on The Ham, £360.00
Play Inspection Company, Annual Inspection, £174.00
Clerk, Expenses reimbursement, £29.63
The following payments made since the June meeting were noted:
Clerk, June Salary £1,248.15
HMRC, June, £212.46
NEST Pensions, June, £98.56
- New planning applications
1883/23/FUL Newstone Blackawton TQ9 7DR. Erection of agricultural building.
It was unanimously resolved to Support.
2034/23/COM Land at SX 857 053 Lapthorne Farm Dittisham Dartmouth TQ6 0JF. Notice of intention to install a telegraph pole at 10.5m high (9m above ground) for the provision of FTTP.
No comment made be DPC.
Monitoring DPC’s Process to Comment on Planning Applications
The above Newstone agricultural building application would be rated as low impact/Minor.
Operation of the Car Park on The Ham
The National Association of Local Council’s legal advice that DPC is entitled to charge for parking was noted.
Invoice for Installation of a Temporary Site Compound in The Ham Car Park
It was unanimously resolved to invoice based on the number of parking spaces used for the temporary site compound, not the higher charge of of £1,000 per week or a pro-rata daily charge as agreed by the 1 March Meeting. The contractor reduced the space used as much as possible as requested by DPC, including over holiday weekends.
Installation of a Defibrillator on The Ham
It was unanimously resolved to approve the payment of invoices, Defibrillator & Cabinet £2,795.00 and The Ham Defibrillator Annual Support £198.00, for the installation of a defibrillator on the toilet block on The Ham subject to increased detail being provided in the defibrillator and cabinet invoice and the hosting agreement to access the electricity supply being in place.
DPC’s permission to access property via The Ham
A Task and Finish Group composed of Cllrs Bond, Golding, and Hodge was created to carry out the review of the Policy and to report to DPC in October 2023.
Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
Maintenance Working Group
The annual Playground Inspection Report has been received. The matters raised are categorised as ‘Low Risk’ or ‘Very Low Risk’. The site has been reviewed with the Report, an action list is being created, and some matters have already been addressed.
It was resolved to approve the purchase of an access required sign for the gate to The Ham and a replacement sign for the Manor Street turning bay as quoted (£10.00 and £16.81 respectively plus delivery).
Events Working Group
It was unanimously resolved to approve of the recommended refund of the damage deposit.
Village Hall Management Committee Representative
The report from DPC’s representative on the VHMC was noted and the Clerk was asked to feedback the comment that future stonework should be comparable with that in the rest of the village.
Communications Working Group
It was resolved to approve expenditure of £50 for purchase of an A5 advertisement in the Regatta program with the finalisation of the text delegated Clerk in consultation with Communications Working Group councillors.
Health Services Representative
Cllr Unitt said he would email a report on the Dart Medical Practice Patients Participation Group meeting 4/7/23.
Request for a memorial bench on The Ham
It was resolved to approve the proposal and the process to install the bench and that the finish will be coloured black.
Correspondence
The following correspondence was noted:
Sent 12/6/23 to A. Mangnall MP, Improving Local Availability of NHS Dentists for Children and Adults. Reply received 12/6/23.
Invitation, Town and Parish Forum with South Hams District Council, 26 July 2023 18:00 – 19:00
Cllr Nightingale hopes to attend and Cllr Bond will attend if that is not possible.
Next meeting
It was confirmed that the next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will be held 6 September 2023 at 7:00 pm.
Closure of the Meeting
It was unanimously resolved to close the meeting, 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 confidential employment nature of the business.
Personnel Committee Report
The Council voted unanimously to support the recommendations of the Personnel Committee, agreeing to the Clerk’s holiday requests, further CPD training, a small change to the clerk’s core hours, resolving to do a more detailed salary review in September and to report back to the October meeting with the results of that, and resolving that if any salary point changes were suggested and agreed on that they should be backdated to April 2023.
Jul 3, 2023 | Minutes
The draft minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN 2023 June 27 Personnel Committee Draft Minutes
DRAFT Minutes of the Meeting of the Personnel Committee held on Tuesday 27th June 2023
at 8:20 am in Dittisham Village Hall
Present: Councillors Neale, Green, and Nightingale were present. There were no members of the public.
Declaration of interests: None declared
Personnel Subcommittee
A Personnel Subcommittee was created composed of the same councillors as the Personnel Committee.
Councillor Neale will Chair the Personnel Committee and Personnel Subcommittee.
The subcommittee will call meetings ad-hoc as required.
Cllr Nightingale will be the day to day contact for the Clerk and also the contact for monthly check-ins.
