Draft Minutes 2023 Annual Parish Meeting

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.

Approved Minutes 2024 March 14

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.

1. a. Public Forum

2. i. Application to Register The Red Lion Inn as an Asset of Community Value

3. 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.

4. ii. Why is DPC Paying for the Maintenance of the Hedge on Ham Lane

5. This is standard grounds maintenance as the hedge is on DPC’s property.

6. iii. DPC’s Management of The Red Lion Inn Freehold

7. 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.

8. iv. Planning Application 0426/24/HHO The Manse

9. A resident confirmed and explained the details of the reasons for their objection to the proposals.

10. v. New Parish Emergency Plan

11. A resident confirmed their support and commended the work done by the team of Cllrs and a resident to create the Plan.

12. 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.

    1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Absent. Cllrs Green, Nightingale, Lloyd, and Unitt.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Nightingale.

2. Declaration of Interests

Cllr Tucker declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the item about an offer of land for a new village car park.

3. 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.

4. Financial Matters

   1. 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.

1. 2. Payments

It was resolved to approve the following payments:

• Ham Lane hedge Annual maintenance cut £708.00

• 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

5. Applications to DPC for Grants

   1. Village Hall Management Committee (VHMC)

It was resolved to approve a grant of £3,000.

1. 2. St George’s Church, Grounds Maintenance

It was resolved to approve a grant of £1,250.

1. 3. Citizens Advice South Hams

It was resolved to approve a grant of £350.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. New planning applications

    1. 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.

1. 2. 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.

1. 3. 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).

1. 4. 0233/24/HHO Fingals Hotel Dittisham DartmouthTQ6 0JA. Householder application for PV cells on post 1948 garage roof.

Support (by resolution).

1. 5. 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.

1. 6. 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).

11. 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

12. 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.

13. Reports from Councillors with Special Responsibilities

    1. 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.

1. 2. Village Hall

The Report was noted.

1. 3. 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.

1. 4. Maintenance Working Group

The Report on recent maintenance projects completed was noted.

14. Request to Hire The Ham

The application to hire The Ham for a Regatta Sports Day on 18 August was supported by resolution.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Parish Council on 3 April 2024 at 7:00 pm was confirmed.

21. 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.

22. Management of a Freehold Title

A plan on the next actions was approved by resolution.

23. 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.

24. 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.

Approved Minutes 2024 February 07

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

1. Replacement of Guttering on the Village Bus Shelter

A plan was agreed for the guttering to installed.

2. 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.

1. Apologies:

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Hodge and SHDC Cllr McKay.

2. Declaration of Interests

None declared.

3. Approval of Minutes

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 3 January 2024.

4. Community Reports

   1. South Hams District Council Councillor

Deferred in the absence of SHDC Cllr McKay.

1. 2. 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.

5. Financial Matters

   1. Financial Reports

To Reports showed a total balance of £86,329.94 and an unearmarked general fund of £31,810.74.

1. 2. 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

1. 3. 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.

1. 4. 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.

6. SHDC Planning Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

1. 1. 3578/23/CLP Yew Tree Cottage, Manor Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0EX. Certificate of lawfulness for proposed single storey outbuilding. Withdrawn.

   2. 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

   3. 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.

   4. 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

2. New planning applications

   1. 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.

1. 2. 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.

8. 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.

9. Consultations

• River Dart Catchment Action Plan. Closes 16/2/24

It was resolved to respond about recording the salt marsh area north of The Ham car park.

10. Monitoring DPC’s Process to Comment on Planning Applications

No new comments made on the process.

11. Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums

    1. Village Road-marking Repainting

The Report on the maintenance work carried out in 2023 was noted.

1. 2. 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.

1. 3. 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.

12. Installation of Railing at Little Orchard Access Steps

The proposed quote document was agreed.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Parish Lengthsman Report

The Lengthsman’s Report and invoice of 6/2/24 were noted. The item was deferred to the March meeting.

16. Car Park Attendant’s Temporary Absence

The advance notice of two weeks absence during the quiet season was noted.

17. Support of ‘The Melt’ floating art project

It was resolved to make a £50 donation and to help to publicise the event.

18. 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.

• Sustainable South Hams, 30/1/24, Composting Pilots opportunity.

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.

19. 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.

20. Next Meeting

It was noted that the next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will take place on 6 March 2024 at 7:00 pm.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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

Approved Minutes 2024 January 03

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.

1. Public Forum

2. a. Parish Lengthsman

3. 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.

4. 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.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Tucker and SHDC Cllr McKay.

2. Declaration of Interests

Cllr Hodge declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in the works to The Ham retaining wall.

3. Approval of Minutes

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2024.

4. Community Reports

   1. South Hams District Council Councillor

Deferred in the absence of Cllr McKay.

1. 2. 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.

5. Financial Matters

   1. Financial Reports

The Financial Reports were noted.

1. 2. 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:

• Hodge, Repair and underpinning southern Ham retaining wall, £880.00

Cllr Hodge returned to the meeting

1. 3. Payment since December meeting

The following payment was noted.

• Information Commissioner’s Office, Compulsory annual fee by direct debit, £35.00

1. 4. Receipts

The receipt of the grant for the trial clean of the slippery path was noted.

• DCC, Locality Budget Grant, £500.00

1. 5. 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.

6. SHDC Planning Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

1. 1. 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.

   2. 2536/23/FUL Fairholme, Riverside Road, Dittisham, TQ6 0HS . New 3 bed dwelling & detached garden store with associated carparking & landscaping. Withdrawn.

   3. 2209/23/FUL Herongate, Lower Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0HY. Conversion & extension of boathouse for short term holiday let(resubmission of 3628/22/FUL). Withdrawn.

2. New planning applications

   1. 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).

8. New tree applications
   1. 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).

9. 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

10. 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.

11. Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums

    1. 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.

1. 2. 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.

1. 3. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Maintenance of The Ham Retaining Wall

The discussion to plan further work required was deferred to the closed part of the Meeting.

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

Approved Minutes 2023 December 06

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.

1. Public Forum

2. a. South Devon Rural Housing Association

3. 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.

4. 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.

1. Apologies

5. Apologies for absence were received from Parish Cllr Tucker and DCC Cllr Hawkins.

2. Declaration of Interests

6. 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.

3. Approval of Minutes

7. It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 November 2023.

4. Community Reports

   1. 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.

1. 2. Devon County Council Councillor

Deferred in the absence of DCC Cllr Hawkins.

5. Financial Matters

   1. 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.

1. 2. 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

1. 3. 23/24 Salary Award

The Award was noted and it will now be implemented in accordance with the contract.

1. 4. 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.

6. SHDC Planning Decisions

8. The following decisions were noted.

1. 1. 2638/23/FUL Dittisham Hideaway Treehouses Shepherds Lodges & Airstream Dittisham TQ6 0JB. Renovation & extension of existing gravel forest track (retrospective). Conditional Approval.

   2. 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.

   3. 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.

2. New planning applications

   1. 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.

8. Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums

   1. Maintenance

• It was resolved to approve the proposal to exchange a cradle swing for a flat seat & swing purchase new chains as quoted.

• It was resolved to approve the proposal to plant the garden area on Ham Lane.

9. Consultations

• DCC, Parking Metres Proposed by DCC for Dartmouth.

No DPC comment made. Cllrs and members of the public may comment individually.

10. Monitoring DPC’s Process to Comment on Planning Applications

9. Cllr Neale suggested making arrangements for a site meeting or pre-meeting discussion of applications which meet DPC’s ‘major’ application criteria.

11. Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums

    1. 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.

12. Parish Emergency Plan

10. The project to create a new Plan was deferred.

13. Maintenance of The Ham Retaining Wall

11. 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.

14. Reinstatement of the surface The Ham Car Park

12. Liaison is ongoing to agree action to reinstate the surface.

15. Memorial Bench Installed

13. The bench installed in November near the River Dart was noted. The installer has agreed to modify the installation and the work remains pending.

16. Registration of The Red Lion Inn with SHDC as an Asset of Community Value

14. 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.

17. Parish Lengthsman Report

15. The item to note the report and advise of DCC ‘infrastructure’ grant work required was deferred.

18. 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

19. Next Meeting

16. The next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will take place on 3 January 2024 at 7:00p.m.

20. 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.

21. 2023/27 Grounds Maintenance Contract

17. It was unanimously resolved to accept the least costly quote of £3,511.31 for the next grounds maintenance contract.

22. Maintenance of hedge on Ham Lane next to Riverside House

18. It was unanimously resolved to accept the least costly quote of £590.

23. 2023/24 Internal Auditor

19. It was unanimously resolved to accept the least costly quote of £150.

The meeting closed at 10:29.