Jun 12, 2023 | Minutes
The Approved minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2023 June 19 DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held
in Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 7 June 2023 at 7:00p.m .
Present: Cllrs Nightingale (Chair), Bond (Vice-Chair), Golding, Hodge, Lloyd, Neale, Tucker, and Unitt were present,
as were SHDC Cllr McKay up to their report, and A Thom (Clerk). There was one members of the public present until Item 4.
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from DCC Cllr Hawkins. Cllr Green was absent.
Declaration of Interests
None declared
Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 10 May 2023.
Public Issues
Pontoon/Jetty on Dittisham Mill Creek
The Clerk will ask Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority, which is the responsible Authority, for information about the pontoon. This can be an item on the 5 July Agenda.
Temporary Road Closure from Bramble Torr Cross to Higher Street, 12 – 16 June 2023
The road will be closed between 8.30am-5pm while essential tree works are carried out.
Community Reports
Devon County Council Councillor
DCC Cllr Hawkins was absent.
South Hams District Council Councillor
SHDC Cllr McKay reported that the Liberal Democrats have established an Executive Committee of eight councillors. Cllr McKay is on the Executive and is the Lead for Climate Change & Biodiversity. Cllr McKay will follow up SHDC’s response regarding its street cleansing program in Dittisham.
2022/23 Annual Governance and Accountability Return
2022/23 Internal Audit
The Clerk reported that the Internal Auditor concluded that the Parish Council has followed proper practices during the past financial year and also made suggestions for improvements to practice. These suggestions and action taken or being taken were reported on by the Clerk and Cllr Nightingale.
2022/23 Audit Annual Governance Statement
It was resolved to approve the Statement.
2022/23 Audit Accounting Statements
Approval of the Accounting Statements was considered. The Clerk explained why the 21/22 AGAR Statements values have been re-stated to include creditors.
2022/23 Audit Accounting Statements
It was resolved to approve the Statements.
2021/22 Audit Accounting Statements
The Statements were signed by the Chair of the Meeting.
Financial Matters
Financial Reports
It was resolved to approve the Reports which showed a total balance of £84,150.70 and an unearmarked general fund of £27,209.06.
Payments
It was resolved to authorise the following payments:
Car Park Attendant, January – March 2023, £500.00
Local Council Administration Services, 2022/23 Internal Audit, £200.00
Judges Web Design, May/June Updates, £30.00
Clerk, May Expenses Reimbursement, £33.07
The following payments made since the April meeting were noted:
Clerk, May Salary £1248.15
HMRC, May, £212.46
NEST Pensions, May, £98.56
- Parish Council Insurance 2023/24 Renewal (third and final year of agreement) & Cyber Insurance Policy
It was resolved to authorise payment of the renewal. The Clerk and Cllr Nightingale’s initial review of cyber insurance is that it is not useful to reduce DPC’s risk but this will be considered further.
- SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted:
0442/23/HHO & 0443/23/LBC Church Cottage Higher Street Dittisham TQ6 0HT. Description: Householder application & Listed building consent for internal alterations to change an existingfirst floor dressing room into a shower room. Conditional Approval.
0668/23/HHO Kingston Cottage Dittisham TQ6 0JB. Householder application for single-storey rear extension; veranda linking extension & existing side porch; amendments to roofline & windows of existing front porch. Conditional Approval.
0021/23/FUL Downton Farm Dittisham TQ6 0JD. Installation of a solar array and associated works (Retrospective). Conditional Approval.
- New planning applications
0622/23/VAR Noss-On-Dart Marina Bridge Road Kingswear TQ6 0EA. Application for variation of condition 2 (approved plans) following grant of planning permission ref. 2161/17/OPA (as amended by S.73 planning permission ref. 0504/20/VAR) for amendments to Phase 12 of the Noss Marina Redevelopment & specifically relating to the Waterside Apartments Building, raised walkway and Central Square only and associated conditions 15, 20, 36, 49 & administrative changes required to conditions 1, 3, 4, 17, 22, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 41, 42, 43, 45, 51,52, 56, 58, 59, 60 reflecting approved discharge of conditions.
Neighbouring Parish Consultee.
It was unanimously resolved that a response of No comment will be made.
P/2023/0377 – Land To The South Of White Rock, Adjacent To Brixham Road, Aka Inglewood
It was unanimously resolved that a response of No comment will be made.
Streamlining DPC’s Process to Comment on Planning Applications
It was unanimously resolved to trial and monitor the process as described in the Report. DPC will publicise how members of the public can comment on planning applications. In meetings, members of the public will be invited to comment during the Public Issues item only.
Operation of the Car Park on The Ham
DPC was advised by SHDC that a resident appealed a Penalty Charge Notice based on the terms of the donation of The Ham. DPC has taken the opportunity review the operation internally and requested confirmation from DALC that proper practice is being used to operate the car park. DALC has asked NALC’s view, which is pending.
Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
Communications Working Group
It was unanimously resolved to agree to the recommendations in the Report to improve the look of the PC noticeboard, to highlight DPC’s activities, and to introduce Cllrs where they wish to participate. Communication with Parishioners (hearing from and sharing information with) is a DPC priority project.
Maintenance Working Group
It was agreed that the project for a digger to clear the gulleys to the north and south of The Ham is required as soon as possible. The build-up in the south gulley has led to a backflow of water to behind the playground. The project to further protect the play equipment’s safety surface by moving a bench from next to the toilet block and installing posts is being developed.
Health
Cllr Unitt summarised their research on the local unavailability of NHS dentistry. It was unanimously resolved to write to Dittisham’s Member of Parliament as proposed: requesting their effort to increase the pace of work to improve the provision of NHS dental care for children and adults.
Fallen Tree The Ham
It was unanimously resolved to accept the SHDC maintenance team’s offer to dismantle a tree which has fallen on the north side of the car park at no charge to DPC.
Devon Association of Local Councils’ Being a Good Councillor Training
Cllr Golding gave feedback on what they said was a very good course. Attending in person as opposed to over Zoom was valuable. Two key learning points shared were that Parish Councillors’ are here to serve the Parish with no personal agenda, and the importance of engaging with the Parish and how to do that.
Cleaning of Slippery Lane between Lower Street to Dittisham Mill Creek
DCC and SHDC have both responded that at present they cannot provide the staff for the necessary manual clean. DCC will support funding from the DCC Community Enhancement Fund for DPC to arrange to get the works done. It was agreed that the Clerk will obtain a cost for the clean for the 5 July meeting.
Communications
The following communications were noted or considered:
21/5/23, Emptying of Dog Waste Bin in Dittisham. Referred SHDC Cllr and Officers. Has now been done.
Residents requested DPC’s permission to access property via The Ham. Refused by Clerk as per Policy. The meeting agreed that DPC will review its policy and this can be an item on the next Agenda
DALC, 22/5/23, Introducing Councillor Development Framework for parish and town councils in Devon.
SHDC Monitoring Officer, 23/5/23, Guidance on Declaring interests at meetings; Use of social media; & Access to information.
SHDC Monitoring Officer, 23/5/23, Preventing bullying and harassment
SHDC Monitoring Officer, 2/6/23, Dispensations
Road Closure at Halwell, Communications between DCC and Residents
Next Meeting
It was confirmed that the next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will take place on Wednesday 5 July 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 item(s) because of the commercial-in-confidence or employment nature of the business.
Quote for Digger Work on The Ham
It was resolved to accept a quote of £300 to clear the gulleys to the north and south of The Ham, as discussed above.
Personnel Committee Report
This item was deferred.
The meeting closed at 21:01.
Apr 14, 2023 | Minutes
The Approved minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2023 April DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in
Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 5 April 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Carbon Savers Course, Session 4 – Quality of Life
The 15 minute video was screened. The exercise for this module is to use the quality of life calculator to assess which parts of your day give you the most enjoyment and contribute to your quality of life.
Present: Councillors Anderson (Chair), Nightingale (Vice-Chair), Bond, Green, Hodge, Neale, and Unitt were present, as were A Thom (Clerk), Devon County Cllr Hawkins, and South Hams District Cllr McKay. There were no members of the public.
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Lloyd and Tucker.
Declaration of Councillors Interests in Items on the Agenda.
Cllr Anderson declared a personal interested in the application from St George’s Church for a grant from DPC.
Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 March 2023.
Public Issues
No matters raised.
Community Reports
South Hams District Council Councillor
SHDC Cllr McKay reported that SHDC Cllrs are receiving a briefing on SHDC’s work to alignm with the Devon wide waste collection service. There is a special full Council meeting on 13 April to approve related payments.
Devon County Council Councillor
DCC Cllr Hawkins said that the timing of the waste service spending decision relates to the timing to order new collection vehicles. The Dartmouth Health and Wellbeing Centre opens next month. Whether the parking for the Centre will be charged and the standard of construction of a secondary access footpath are under discussion. DCC is proposing parking meters in eight towns in Devon, including Dartmouth. Flooding near Venn Lane and near Norton Park has been reported to DCC Highways. An additional £9.4 million has been received for pothole repair in Devon.
Financial Matters
Financial Reports
The Reports were approved by resolution. They showed a total balance of £76,600.67 and an unearmarked general fund of £26,759.70 on 31 March, and the cashbook reconciled with bank statements.
Payments
Payments
It was resolved to authorise the following payments:
DALC, Being a Good Councillor Course #2 & 3, £36.00
SHDC, 22/23 Payroll, £120.00
SHDC, Ham Car Park Rates, £2,986.52
SHDC, Level Car Park Rates, £2,829.33
Dittisham Village Hall, Hire Jan – March 2023, £127.00
Community Heartbeat Trust, Annual Support agreements, £396.00
Clerk, March Expenses reimbursement, £21.63
South West Water, Quay tap December 22 to March 23, £23.91
The decision on whether to continue the Devon Communities Together membership, with an annual fee of £50.00, was deferred to the May meeting.
Payments made since the March meeting
The following payments were noted:
Lazerpics, Paper DSC car park permits, £165.00
Clerk, March Salary £1,247.95
HMRC, March, £212.66
NEST Pensions, March, £98.56
It was noted that a DALC, Chair’s Training course booking has been authorised, £36.00.
ReceIpts
The following receipts were noted:
SHDC, Grant towards project to clear debris and weeds from roads in the village, £400.00
DCC, HMCEF Grant for Lengthsman work in the Parish, £300.00
National Grid, Use of Level Car Park during works on Manor Street, £100
Applications to DPC for Grants
- Village Hall Management Committee, Village Hall maintenance
It was resolved unanimously to approve the application for a grant of £3,000.
- St George’s Church, Graveyard grounds maintenance
Cllr Anderson left the meeting.
It was resolved unanimously to approve a grant of £1,000, less than the sum requested.
Cllr Anderson returned to the meeting.
- Citizens Advice South Hams
It was resolved unanimously to approve the application for a grant of £350.
- SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted:
3628/22/FUL Herongate Lower Street Dittisham TQ6 0HY Extension to boathouse to provide ancillary accommodation. Withdrawn.
0064/23/HHO Herons Flight Riverside Road Dittisham TQ6 0HS.Householder application for minor changes to the existing planning consent 1183/21/HHO (retrospective). Conditional Approval.
3296/22/HHO Yew Tree Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. READVERTISEMENT (amended documents) Householder application to replaceexisting single storey extension with new two storey extension & internal alterations, alterations to front parking, replacement of failing & leaking windows & addition of porch canopy above front entrance (Resubmission of 4130/21/FUL). Conditional Approval.
4337/22/HHO Overdart House Rectory Lane Dittisham TQ6 0HD. Householder application for alterations and additions to existing dwelling (Resubmission of 2238/22/HHO). Conditional Approval.
- New planning applications
0021/23/FUL Downton Farm Dittisham TQ6 0JD. Installation of a solar array and associated works (Retrospective).
It was resolved unanimously to comment in Support.
0376/23/HHO Watermans Cottage Manor Street Dittisham. Householder application for demolition of existing summerhouse & re- build in new style (resubmission of 2539/22/HHO).
It was resolved unanimously to comment in Support with the condition that the summerhouse is ancillary to the use of the main dwelling, and also to raise DPC’s concerns regarding light pollution.
0442/23/HHO & 0443/23/LBC Church Cottage Higher Street Dittisham TQ6 0HT. Householder application & Listed building consent for internal alterations to change an existing first floor dressing room into a shower room.
It was resolved unanimously to comment in Support.
0659/23/ARM Distins Boatyard Old Mill Lane Dartmouth. Application for approval of reserved matters following outline consent2327/22/OPA relating to landscaping. Neighbouring Parish Consultee.
It was resolved unanimously to comment in Support.
Variation to the premises licence of The Seahorse Restaurant, 5 South Embankment, Dartmouth, TQ6 9BH.
The application was noted.
For information: 0851/23/COM Land at SX 837 053 Capton Dartmouth TQ6 0JE. Notice of intention to install a telegraph pole at 10.5m high (9m above ground) for the provision of FTTP.
The application was noted.
- New tree applications
- 1118/23/TEX Langscott Lower Street Dittisham TQ6 0HY. : T1: Silver Birch – Wind has blown tree over & T2: Silver Blown – Root plate lifted on one side and heavily leaning, to be dismantled before it falls over.
It was resolved unanimously to comment in Support and to request the planting of suitable replacement trees.
- Sustainable South Hams River Assembly 18 March 2023
A verbal report was received on the Assembly.
Consultations
South West Water, Draft Water Resources Management Plan. Closes 9 May 2023.
The Clerk delegated authority to respond, in consultation with Cllrs Nightingale and Anderson.
Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
Personnel Councillors
It was resolved unanimously to approve the proposed Training and Development Policy.
It was resolved unanimously to delegate the Clerk authority to authorise training as per the Policy.
It was resolved unanimously to agree the recommendation that the Clerk’s core hours remain 18 hours per week for April, May, and June.
The Personnel Committee Councillors support the Civility and Respect Pledge in principle and are reviewing further actions required for DPC take the Pledge. A two minute introductory video was screened.
Application to Hire The Ham for a Coronation Games Event on Monday 8 May
It was resolved unanimously to approve the application with the addition of additional measures to manage the flow and safety of participants and visitors, as circulated, and with an explicit safety policy.
Proposal for maintenance of trees and hedge on the north side of the entrance to the Level Car Park
It was resolved to approve the proposals in the Report.
Request for a new Memorial Bench on The Ham
It was resolved to approve the request and the general location proposed. The precise location remains to be determined.
DPC Cloud Storage Provider
It was resolved to approve the proposal to change DPC to Jottacloud cloud storage.
DPC Standing Orders
It was resolved to approve the updated Standing Orders.
DPC Information Management System Policy
It was resolved to approve the proposed Policy.
Parish Website – COVID resources pages
It was resolved to confirm that the pages will be removed.
DPC Consultation Process
The consideration of a community consultation process was deferred.
To note or consider correspondence
The following correspondence was noted:
Sent 9/3/22, DCC Cllrs Hughes and Leadbetter Request for reinstatement on DCC’s gritting schedule. Response received Cllr Hughes (Highways) and a Highways Officer.
9/3/22 Neighbourhood Team Sergeant Introduced and provided contact details
Anthony Mangnall MP holding open meetings with South West Water representatives. – Brixham: 30th March 2023 at 5pm & Totnes: 27th April 2023 at 5pm
6/3/23, Notification of installation of one new telegraph pole for the provision of FTTP at Capton, TQ6 0JE
15/3/23, Airband, Notice of road closure permit request on Capton,TQ6 0JE in the next 6 months.
Annual Parish Meeting
It was noted that the Meeting will take place on Wednesday 19 April at 7:00 pm.
Next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council
It was noted that the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council and the next monthly Meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 10 May 2023 starting at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting closed at 21:20
Mar 10, 2023 | Minutes
The approved minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2023 March DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 1 March 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Carbon Savers Course
Session 3 – Shopping: The meeting discussed the 15 minute video. The action from the module is to consider: What are your three favourite belongings and why? This can be a good indicator of what contributes to our quality of life in terms of products.
Present: Councillors Nightingale (Vice-Chair and meeting Chair), Bond, Hodge, Lloyd, Neale, Tucker were present, as were A Thom (Clerk), and South Hams District Cllr McKay. There was one member of the public.
Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Anderson, Green, and Unitt, and Devon County Cllr Hawkins.
Declaration of Interests
None declared.
Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 1 February 2023
It was resolved to approve the minutes.
Public Issues
No matters raised.
Community Reports
Devon County Council Councillor
DCC Cllr Hawkins was not present.
South Hams District Council Councillor
SHDC Cllr McKay said that he would be meeting with Planning Enforcement Officers on Friday to review the current cases. He is encouraging SHDC to provide printed forms to apply for Voter ID for the Local Elections in May.
Cllr McKay said that he would ask for SHDC’s full commitment to keep streets in the village clear of vegetation after they have been cleared by DPC, as requested.
Cllr McKay was asked how SHDC will identify second homes for Council Tax purposes in order to charge second homes double the Council Tax and what the income from the change would be.
Financial Matters
Financial Reports
The Reports, which showed a total balance of £75,076.47 and an unearmarked general fund of £25,935.50, were noted.
Payments
It was resolved to authorise the following payments:
- Judge’s Web Design, Annual hosting, £140.00
- Judge’s Web Design, Website updates, £10.00
- Clerk, February Expenses Reimbursement, £26.24
- DALC, Being a Good Councillor Course #1, £18.00
- Cllr Bond, Defibrillator cabinet security tags, £10.95
The payments made since the February meeting were noted:
Clerk, February Salary £1,248.15
HMRC, February, £212.46
NEST Pensions, February, £98.56
Sustainable South Hams River Assembly 18 March 2023
Cllr Nightingale is attending at no cost DPC and will report back to DPC.
- Annual Playground Inspection
It was noted that a booking has been confirmed with the 2022 provider at a cost of £145+VAT.
- SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted.
3843/22/VAR Downton Farm Dittisham TQ6 0JD. Application for variation of condition 2 (approved drawings) of planning consent 1461/19/FUL. Conditional Approval.
3845/22/VAR Downton Farm Dittisham TQ6 0JD. Application for variation of condition 2 (approved drawings) of planning consent 1025/20/FUL (retrospective). Conditional Approval.
4091/22/VAR Downton Farm Dittisham TQ6 0JD. Application for variation of condition 2 (approved drawings) of planning consent 1462/19/LBC. Conditional Approval.
- New planning applications
0030/23/HHO The Cider Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Householder application for new boat & garden store in existing garden.
A seconded motion to Support was not carried.
No Comment, decided by unanimous resolution.
Variation to the premises licence of Dartmouth Wine Company, 6 Duke Street, Dartmouth, TQ6 9PZ.
DPC is not submitting a comment.
Consultations
National Planning Policy Framework Consultation, Closes 2 March 2023.
Devon Association of Local Councils & Devon Communities Together, Survey on what resources councils would find helpful in an emergency toward a community support plan for Devon. Closes 8 March 2023.
Cllrs and the Clerk can comment as individuals, stating their role.
DPC will respond after the Sustainable South Hams River Assembly on 18 March 2023. This is an item on the 5 April Agenda.
Coronation Events Saturday 6 May to Monday 8 May 2023
DPC has been told that residents are working to organise the following events to take place over the holiday weekend:
Saturday: TV coverage of the Coronation and refreshments available all day on a large screen in The Red Lion Inn.
Sunday: Lunch on the beach organised by the FBI, lunch organised by the Anchorstone, music.
Monday: Games, races, and a picnic 12:00-15:00. These are being organised by a resident. DPC agreed the Clerk will support the organiser to submit an application to use The Ham. This will be an item on the 5 April Agenda.
Request to loan DPC’s Projector to Ditsum Players for its AGM
Councillors agreed to the request and Cllr Neale will take responsibility for the projector.
Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
Village Hall Management Committee
The circulated Report was noted.
Proposal for Improvement of the Flora on The Ham and Ham Triangle
The proposals in the Report were considered and agreed by unanimous resolution with the following changes: to remove the sentence regarding marking trees that will grow to full height and to add that the dropwort in the north gully of The Ham will be monitored.
Temporary Compound in Ham Car Park
The request for the revised dates to place the temporary site compound in The Ham car park was considered and agreed for four weeks to 31 March 2023 on the same terms as the previous approval. If the property was to continue to be occupied beyond 31 March 2023 a charge of £1,000 per week or a pro-rata daily charge for each day or partial day of occupation will be applied. This is to ensure that DPC is able to provide a car parking service to residents and visitors. The Easter holiday begins 1 April 2023.
Annual Parish Meeting on 19 April 2023 at 7:00 pm
It was agreed that in addition to a report on the Parish Council’s activities and progress, speakers will be invited: the Harbour Master and the Sustainable Dittisham Habitat Group to discuss the hedgehog habitat project, or alternatively a representative of the AONB or one to discuss the Saltmarsh project. It was agreed Cllr Lloyd will arrange refreshments with a budget of up to £50.
DPC Information Management System
A GDPR compliant cloud sync has been set up for the Clerk’s laptop using Google Workspace. A separate meeting is required to support Councillors to review their information management.
River Dart Coastal and Estuarine Woodland Project (Evolving Forests)
There is request to promote this project to landowners who own woodland within 500m on either side of the River Dart. DPC will support this and Cllr Tucker can provide the Clerk with a list of names.
Hedgehog Highway Project
The information about this national project will be passed on to the Sustainable Dittisham Habitat Group which is currently working on a local project to create wildlife corridors.
To note or consider correspondence
DPC decided to write to DCC in support as requested and to suggest that the IDCTA also contact DCC.
Keep Britain Tidy, Great British Spring Clean 17 March to 2 April
To SHDC Planning, Request for increased clarity when planning applications are resubmitted, 17/2 & 24/2/23
South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership, Invitation to annual forum Wednesday 22nd March 2023, 09.15-13.00 on Teams
Next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council
It was confirmed that the next meeting will take place on 5 April 2022 at 7:00 pm. Cllr Lloyd gave her apologies for that 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 items because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.
Parish Lengthsman Contract
It was resolved to accept the application received for the Contract from the existing Parish Lengthsman.
Quotation for 2023 Tree Condition Assessment
The quote was accepted and the Clerk will book the assessment.
The meeting closed at 21:33.
Feb 2, 2023 | Minutes
The Approved minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2023 February DPC APPROVED Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 1 February 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
- Carbon Savers Course, 7:00 pm – 7:15 pm, Session 2 – Home Energy
- The meeting discussed the video. The action from the module is to answer ‘Additional Questions’ to find out in more detail how your home is using energy and options to reduce it.
Present: Councillors Nightingale (Vice-Chair and meeting Chair), Bond, Green, Hodge, Neale, Tucker, and Unitt were present, as were A Thom (Clerk), Devon County Cllr Hawkins, South Hams District Cllr McKay. There were no members of the public.
- Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Anderson and Lloyd.
- Declaration of Interests
None declared.
- Approval of Minutes
It was resolved to approve the minutes of the meetings held on 4 January, 18 January, and 27 January 2023.
- Public Issues
- Request for a swing in the Dittisham playground for older children and adults
Cllr Green conveyed the request.
There are currently two toddler cradle seat swings. This arrangement zones the playground for children of different ages. The request will be recorded for consideration if new equipment is installed.
- Community Reports
- South Hams District Council Councillor
There is a letter from Sustainable South Hams requesting support for a grant to support its activities. SHDC Cllr McKay attended a briefing last week about how the £1million from the Shared Prosperity Fund to help reduce carbon emissions will be used to gather evidence for a capital funding bid. The budget meeting will be on 16 January. There was a small gap, £300,000, in the budget which has been filled by a funding guarantee from central government of £700,000. SHDC can provide an ‘Authority Certificate’ to people who don’t have an acceptable photo ID document to vote in the May elections. A planning application for Baltic Wharf is yet to be submitted to SHDC. SHDC is operating a new Planning Charter under which applicants have one opportunity to make an application.
- Devon County Council Councillor
DCC Cllr Hawkins reported that the Governors met with the Health Trust last week. The Dartmouth Health and Wellbeing Centre is due to be handed over on 14 April, with an opening ceremony on 17 May at 2 pm. The hospital site was due to be transferred to the Dartmouth Town Council and the developer before Christmas. That has not yet happened. Cllr Hawkins is looking into value for money regarding the clinic and the hospital site. There is a DCC budget meeting in three weeks. Additional money has been provided by central government and DCC no longer has a big budget shortfall. Highways is not likely to receive more funding.
- SHDC Planning Decisions
The following decisions were noted:
- 3466/22/ARC Fern Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 3 (doors and windows), 4 (timber cladding) and 5 (rainwater goods) of planning consent 4779/21/LBC. Discharge of condition Approved.
- 3553/22/ARC : Fern Cottage Manor Street Dittisham TQ6 0EX. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 3 (doors and windows), 4 (timber cladding) and 5 (rainwater goods) of planning consent 4778/21/HHO. Discharge of condition Approved.
- New planning applications
- 4337/22/HHO Overdart House Rectory Lane Dittisham TQ6 0HD. Householder application for alterations and additions to existing dwelling (Resubmission of 2238/22/HHO).
Support (by unanimous resolution).
- 0064/23/HHO Herons Flight Riverside Road Dittisham TQ6 0HS. Householder application for minor changes to the existing planning consent 1183/21/HHO (retrospective).
Support (by unanimous resolution).
- Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups & External Forums
It was resolved unanimously to approve the South West Gaffers’ request for tents and campervans on The Ham and in The Ham car park 11-14 August for River Dart Rally as circulated.
- Dittisham Parish Lengthsman
It was resolved to approve the proposed 23/26 contract hours, specifications, and contract.
- Project Proposal – Trial Clearance of Weeds
It was resolved to approve the proposal and to delegate the Clerk authority to create a prioritised list of locations for clearance in consultation with Cllrs Bond and Neale. Pre and post photos will be taken. SHDC is not able to do the clearance in February / March this year. DPC will work to monitor the ongoing street sweeping and hand clearance by SHDC. The Clerk will ask SHDC Cllr McKay for grant funding for this project.
Approval of the Reports was deferred because they were provided to Cllrs on the day of the meeting. They show a total balance of £76,862.03 and an unearmarked general fund of £27,721.06.
It was resolved to authorise the following payments:
- Tindle Newspapers, Lengthsman Contract advert, £96.00
- Car Park Attendant, Oct-Dec 22, £1,000.00
- Clerk, Reimbursement of January expenses, £17.29
The following payments made since the January meeting were noted:
- Clerk, January Salary £1247.95
- HMRC, January, £212.66
- NEST Pensions, January, £98.55
- Report on temporary closure of Manor Street from 23 January 2023
The works were completed on Monday 30 January, one working day late. Feedback will be given to the contractor and in future similar road closures DPC will make contact with the contractor in advance to ask if access issues have been planned for.
The following correspondence was noted:
- 4/1/22 Resident, Bozomzeal potholes. Referred to DCC.
- 18/12/22 Resident, Thank you for works to Level Car Park Tree.
- Dates for the Annual Parish Meeting and for the Annual Meeting of the Council
The Annual Meeting of the Council will take place at the start of the monthly meeting in May. The Local Council Elections on Thursday 4 May cause the May meeting to be held later this year, after the elections.
The Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Wednesday 19 April at 7:00 pm. The speakers will be agreed by the March meeting of DPC.
It was confirmed that the next monthly meeting of Dittisham Parish Council will be held 1 March 2023 at 7:00 pm.
The meeting closed at 20:46.
Jan 30, 2023 | Minutes
The Approved Minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2023 January 27 EM DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall on Friday 27 January 2023 at 10 am
Present: Cllr Nightingale (Vice-Chair and meeting Chair), Bond, Hodge, Neale, and Unitt were present, as was A Thom (Clerk).
- Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Anderson and Tucker.
- To declare any personal interests or disclosable pecuniary interests in items on the agenda.
None declared.
- 2023/24 Budget and Precept
It was resolved unanimously to approve the Budget as circulated with the one change to increase Staff Costs by £2,302.20.
It was resolved unanimously to increase the Precept demand by £2,000 to £14,000.
The increase in Precept demand by £2,000 will cost each (Band D equivalent) household in the Parish £5.50 per year.
In 22/23 Dittisham was 51st in a list of 61 Town and Parish Council precepts. Most of its income comes from the village car parks which DPC owns and manages.
The initial list of projects for 23/24 required a precept of approximately £20,000 which was felt to be clearly not acceptable. The projects and all reserve requirements and allocations were reviewed. It is recommended that councils hold between three and 12 months’ worth of un-earmarked reserves. A larger council may be closer to three months, a smaller council closer to twelve months. DPC decided in 2022 to hold six months of un-earmarked reserves.
The approved budget allows for the result of the current evaluation of the Clerk’s core hours being an increase of up to two hours per week. In discussion, the suggestion that if DPC’s income is greater than that forecast the additional funds be added to the Parish Health and Safety reserve was supported. DPC will also look for grants and for cost sharing opportunities.
Jan 30, 2023 | Minutes
The approved minutes can be read below or downloaded here: MN_2023 January 18 EM DPC Approved Minutes
APPROVED Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 18 January 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Cllr Nightingale (Vice-Chair and meeting Chair), Bond, Hodge, Lloyd, Tucker, and Unitt were present, as were A Thom (Clerk), 16 members of the public (including one who arrived near the end of the meeting), and Cllr Anderson who joined the audioconnection as a member of the public.
- Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Anderson.
- Declaration of Interests
None declared.
- Application to hire The Ham 1-4 September 2023 for Dart 10K Swim Event
Members of the public were given an opportunity to comment on the application. The application was considered by DPC. It was resolved to refuse the application.
- Parish Lengthsman
The proposal to allocate an additional 15 hours in 22/23 was approved by resolution.
The proposal to advertise a contract of up to three years and to place adverts in the Dartmouth Chronicle with advertisement closing date 4 January and the February Parish Magazine was approved by resolution.
The meeting closed at 18 56.
