Minutes of the monthly meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in
Dittisham Village Hall on Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 7:00pm
Present: Parish Cllrs Bond (Chair), N Green, Hawkes, Neale, Pope (late) & Taylor were present, as was C Radford (Clerk). D.Cllr McKay and C.Cllr Rake were present for part of the meeting. 2 members of the public attended.
Apologies: Cllrs J Green & Unitt
Public Forum No matters were raised in a pre-meeting public forum. The meeting was adjourned during specific agenda items.
1. Apologies were received as above.
2. Declaration of Interests To declare interests on items on the agenda. Cllrs declared an interest in the following items: Cllr Neale on item 5.6 payment 2602_6. Hawkes on item 7.1, being the applicant on the application for tree works in a conservation area (TCA).
3. Approval of Minutes To consider approval of the minutes of the EGM held December 15 2025, the monthly meeting held on January 7 2026 and EGM held on January 20 2026 It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the minutes as an accurate record with an amendment; specifically a correction to the location in which the West Dart bus will be parked.
4. Community Reports To receive reports from:
4.1 South Hams District Council Councillor (D.Cllr) The D.Cllr made the following report:
– Local Government Reorganisation A briefing has been held for Parish and Town councils on the proposal put forward by the District Council. A statutory consultation will open in February/March prior to publication of the Government’s decision due in June/July.
– Budget It was reported that the Local Authority has balanced the budget for the current year. South Hams District Council (SHDC) will be badly affected by the impact of the Fair Funding package expecting a significant deficit in the next financial year.
– Council Plan The Local Authority is looking at re prioritising its plan in light of Local Government Reorganisation. It is reallocating funds for projects that would not be delivered before changes in the local government structure.
– Community Transport A report is due and will be circulated to community transport operators shortly.
– Raising the profile of the Climate Emergency The D.Cllr commented on the National Emergency Briefing that recently Took place in Westminster, attended by 1200 delegates at which Chris Packham was keynote speaker. DEFRA has since published a strategic assessment exploring how global biodiversity loss and the collapse of critical ecosystems could affect national security. Neither of these important events the impacts of climate change have been covered well within the news. The D.Cllr is seeking to do more to raise the profile of the importance of the climate emergency in the local and national consciousness.
4.2 Devon County Council Councillor (C.Cllr) The C.Cllr gave the following update:
– Collapsed road at Torcross Destruction of the road at Torcross has been a significant event. It is outside of Devon County Council’s (DCC’s) budget to afford it, so appeals have been made to the Government to fund it. Ongoing management and risk of repeated occurrences are major issues being considered.
– Budget Whilst the Fair Funding settlement has been difficult for District Councils, it has not been as bad as it could have been for the County Council. There is continuing shift from central government to local tax payers, with an increase to the precept at the maximum 5% year on year to meet considerable pressures of rising costs. One of the big budget concerns is libraries, with a consultation open at the moment. Libraries Unlimited is unsustainable and considering cuts to statutory hours. This affects the number of hours a qualified librarian is in attendance during library opening times. Options include looking at more community involvement, and un-staffed access to warm spaces.
– Neighbourhood Planning The C.Cllr recommended that cllrs review notes from January’s meeting of SHDC’s Development Management Committee, where Modbury’s Neighbourhood Plan was overridden following changes in the National Planning Policy Framework, where SHDC can no longer demonstrate a 5-year housing supply, leading to the council approving the development of houses outside the Neighbourhood Plan’s development boundary.
5. Financial Matters
5.1 Quarter 3 Bank Reconciliation Consider independent review of the bank reconciliation. Bank statements and budget summary was checked against the end of quarter bank reconciliation which was signed by Cllr Hawkes.
5.2 Parking Charges To consider increasing parking charges by 4%, inline with local authority increases.. It was RESOLVED to increase standard car parking charges from 1st April 2026, applying 4% and rounding to the nearest 10. Standard tariffs will increase as follows: 1 hour = £2.10; 2 hours = £3.10; 3 hours = £4.70; 4 hours = £6.20; All day = £10.00; 1800 to 0900: Free; Seven-day ticket = £62.00. The residents discount tariff remains unaffected. ACTION: The Clerk to request a quote from the machine provider to update the tariffs on both ticket machines.
5.3 Grant Applications To note grant applications received and expected in 2026/27 financial year It was noted that a grant application had been received from St George’s Church, Dittisham, which would appear on the Parish Council’s agenda for consideration once the annual accounts are available, in May 2026. An application is expected from The West Dart Bus for consideration in March. Dittisham Community shop is expected to make an application.
5.4 Dittisham Sailing Club Permits To consider printing quotations received Quotes from three companies had been sought to produce and deliver 200 vinyl permits. It was RESOLVED to accept the quotation from Lazerpics at a cost of £195.60.
5.5 Receipts and Payments between meetings to note for information
Receipts:
– Machine Receipts from The Ham Car Park banked in Q3 (Oct – Dec) at £575.92 plus £ 18 VAT = £691.10
– Machine Receipts from The Level Car Park banked in Q3 (Oct – Dec) at £373.84. plus £74.76VAT = £448.60
– Natwest bank interest in Q3 (Oct – Dec) = £353.85 no VAT
– Lloyds bank interest in Q3 (Oct – Dec) = £13.48 no VAT
– Invoice 24 to South Hams District Council SHDC Car Park Receipts Q2 for the Ham and The Level at £17656.78 plus £3531.36 VAT = £21188.14
– Invoice 25 to Parish of Dittisham Charity for matched funding with respect to original quote for Jubilee Steps Hand rail = £2635.50 (no VAT)
Payments made between meetings The following payments were noted:
– Payment 2601_9 Lloyds Bank Fee = £4.25
5.6 February Payments It was RESOLVED to approve the following payments:
– Payment 2602_1 to HMRC for Quarter 3 VAT Payment = £2550.88
– Payment 2602_2 Nest Pensions for Pension contributions on Clerk’s Jan Salary = £39.61 no VAT
– Payment 2602_3 to CRadford January Clerk Salary (month 10) = £877.61 no VAT
– Payment 2602_4 to HMRC for Tax and NI on Clerk’s January Salary = £286.16no VAT
– Payment 2602_5 to MHurrell for monthly car park checks and banking takings (Jan) = £150 no VAT
– Payment 2602_6 to RNeale for reimbursement: JottaCloud backup services Monthly renewal Jan at 12EUR per month (£10.46) and Lebara mobile phone monthly renewal Jan at £4.08 plus 82p VAT per month = £15.36
– Payment 2602_7 to DALC for Inv 7114 Attendance of Mike Taylor at the Being a Good Councillor 1 course at £15 plus £3 VAT = £18
6. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions The following was noted:
6.1 3321/25/HHO Downton Barton Dittisham Householder application for new garden studio APPROVED
7. New Planning Applications to consider a recommendation to the planning authority on the following applications:
– 0049/26/TCA 2 Watermans Cottage Manor Street Dittisham: Ash – remove, die back present. T3: Maple – reduce by 1/3 all over, to reduce risk of branch failure. It was noted that the Local Authority had already decided to raise no objections to works.
– 0071/26/TCA Laburnum Cottage Manor Street Dittisham: T80: Oak – remove dead wood. A,B,D,E,T88,T87: Ash – remove deadwood and Ivy. T83: Acer – remove Ivy. G84: x3 Sycamore – remove Ivy. T81,T82,T86,T85,C: Ash – fell, due to Dieback.
It was RESOLVED to SUPPORT the application.
Noting the shorter consultation time limit on Treeworks in a Conservation Applications (TCA), it was RESOLVED that the Clerk forward TCA notices to cllrs if it is likely that applications will time out before the next meeting of the Parish Council, and to request an extension if controversial.
8. Blackberry Cottage Surface Water Drainage To consider the owner’s request to obtain the Parish Council’s permission in writing to cross third-party land and connect the surface water drainage to the watercourse for the life of the development. The applicant attended the meeting to answer questions about the proposed scheme. Cllrs discussed the impact of any physical infrastructure needed and that if permission were given, an easement may be required. It was RESOLVED to move forward with the following actions:
– For the applicant’s drainage consultants to attend a site meeting with representatives of the Parish Council to better understand the proposed scheme and any potential impact on third party land.
– To consult with a lawyer to receive a quotation for the cost of an easement, if required.
– Receive advice from a professional to consider the value of such an easement, if required.
9. Dittisham Regatta Sports Day To consider an application for hire of The Ham The Clerk had undertaken a review of the draft application against the Parish Council’s ‘Use of the Ham’ policy and hire terms and conditions. It was agreed ACTION: the Clerk provide support and feedback to the applicant asking for further detail in the risk assessment, particularly in relation to the movement of vehicles on site, a more detailed map and more information about insurance and licensing arrangements.
10. Gritting on roads to Dittisham
10.1 Lack of gritting consider concerns raised by cllrs and members of the public. Cllrs had received correspondence from residents asking that the Parish Council try again to get gritting of the road from Sportsmans Arms/Hembrough Post to Dittisham reinstated. It was commented that residents need to able to get in and out of the village at all times and concerned that neither a fire engine nor an ambulance could attend if there was an emergency in the village. Cllrs noted reports of several accidents and instances where vehicles skidded off the road, about residents who were unable to be seen by regular carers or receive emergency medical care as the state of the road prevented medical staff attending. It was expected that the route does not meet the criteria to be included on the gritting map, however the Parish Council will continue to make representations to the County Council for inclusion in the gritting network.
10.2 Potential shared gritting arrangements to receive an update on a meeting held with neighbouring parishes on potential shared gritting It was reported that Cllrs Bond and N.Green had attended a meeting with representatives of Ashprington & Cornworthy, Blackawton and Harberton Parish Councils to discuss considering pursuing the development of a shared Snow Warden scheme in which Parish Councils work together to improve highway safety and allow key routes in all five parishes to be gritted efficiently and in line with the broader Snow Warden policy. Under the outline proposal, a paid contractor would take the role of lead Snow Warden. They would purchase a tractor-mounted spreader and have space available for primary storage of salt/grit. The contractor would undertake to spread salt at appropriate times on a route that would take in key access routes to the villages and major hamlets of the participating parishes. Before bringing the proposal forward, DCC has been asked to comment on whether it would be in support of the project as outlined, to confirm what qualifications any contractor and operatives would be required to have, and insurance arrangements. There would be a considerable cost of the grit, if not covered through the snow warden scheme. More information is required on the technical matter of how much, and what type, of grit would be required under different conditions.
11. Reports from Councillors’ Working Groups and External Forums
11.1 Neighbourhood Plan To receive an update Consultation is now closed with 168 replies received. Responses will now be analysed to draw out the key issues and consider next steps.
11.2 West Dart Bus To receive an update on bus parking options Riverside Road will be used for the meantime. Once the bus has arrived next week, a description and registration will be provided to SHDC so that it can be parked in The Level Car park without charge.
11.3 Maintenance Working Group To receive an update from January meeting. It was reported that a briefing document had been compiled from which to obtain quotes for a variety of maintenance jobs, including repairs to the Ham wall, minor bench and bus shelter guttering repairs, repairs to the wall in the culvert near the sailing club and replacing three posts at the Ham car park. Contractors are being sought. In March working group will undertake minor tree works at The Ham Triangle, (crown lifts and cutting back/pruning). It was agreed to request advice on management of trees at North Bank as part of the net annual tree survey (due summer/autumn 2026).
12. Annual Away Day Consider focus for the Parish Councillors annual ‘Away Day’ It was agreed that the away day would have a loose agenda, enabling cllrs free discussion around any range of topics relating to the parish. ACTION: Cllrs prepare to come to the away day with a short introduction to themselves, and the roles they have/wish to have on the Parish Council.
13. The Level Phone Box Consider response to ideas for ongoing use Deferred to the spring.
14. Potential new car park and burial ground To receive a briefing note on proposals, and proposed Parish Council role Cllrs had received a briefing note in advance of the meeting, which laid out a proposed way forward to achieve the objective of bringing forward a new 40 space car park and burial ground. It is proposed that an options agreement will name Dittisham Parish Council as the party who have five years to exercise the option, and two local project managers, responsible for all aspects of the project, include planning, construction and funding, specifying that they will do this in conjunction with the Parish Council; seeking council approval on all material decisions. It is proposed that the car park be a paying car park on the model of the two existing car parks in Dittisham, with the Parish Council collecting revenue and becoming responsible for maintenance.
It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council is willing to be party to the Option Agreement with the landowner.
It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council is willing to cover the cover any legal costs in drawing up the Agreement up to £2,000. If costs are in excess of this, to return to the Parish Council for consideration.
It was agreed that once the option agreement in place, a special meeting be arranged with the project managers, landowner and agent.
15. Correspondence and Contacts to note or consider
To note:
– Happy New Year and updates from the River Cllrs were informed that the Friends of the Dart newsletter includes a link to a ‘behind the scenes’ video from the Friends of the Dart lab, hosted at Dartington Hall Estate, where weekly E.Coli testing takes place. A meeting was held on Jan 15 to share news about most recent water quality results. December results can be found by following this link. (HTML). Stoke Gabriel bathing water rating has been downgraded. It is recognised that businesses who rely on contact with the river will be affected and encouraged to get in touch. A weekend festival ‘We Are the Water’ coinciding with the weekend of world water day will take place March 20 – 22.
– Beach Clean – Dittisham Foreshore – March 29thCllrs were informed that the beach clean will take place on March 29, meeting at The Ham car park at 9am before walking to Dittisham Mill Creek and collecting rubbish and plastic on the way. Bags to collect refuse have been requested from the District Council, with the bins at the Ham Car Park or top of the lane to the Crek on Lower Street as being suggested as a rubbish collection point.
To consider
– Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Community Risk Management Plan engagement survey Cllrs are informed that the Fire and Rescue Service is beginning to develop a new 5 year plan and keen to collect as many views as possible through its online survey. All recipients of the email are asked to display a poster and encourage participation. ACTION: The Clerk/Cllr Bond to distribute the notice and link via the Parish Council’s mailing list, on the website and on social media.
– Parish Paths Partnership (P3) – Update and Forms for the New Financial Year Cllrs were informed that a reduced P3 team at Devon County Council has been working to updated and streamline the scheme so that it becomes a more efficient and effective service. The email received lays out all the changes to the scheme in detail, including a new contact address, a new reporting process, an updated grant form, a new Improvement Bid form, Seasonal Cut form and Materials Form. New guidance and criteria information is provided across a number of attachments. Cllrs Neale and Bond will meet to discuss this and report back on the impact for the parish at an upcoming meeting.
– The Level speeding traffic Members of the public (MoP) had attended the meeting to draw attention to the letter written to the Parish Council commenting that the speeding along the Level in Dittisham is a matter of urgency that must be addressed. It was commented that vehicles build up speed on the straight road between the Red Lion and the car park. Very few vehicles travel at the 20mph advisory speed limits. Residents take their life in their own hands in areas without footways. A vehicle recently sped past someone who had fallen on ice, nearly running them over. Despite residents regularly flagging down traffic, it makes no difference. The MoP’s proposed solution is to look into installation of speed bumps to slow down traffic, or atleast start with a few 20mph signs in the village. This would be a preferred approach to a digital radar sign. There was a discussion in which cllrs considered whether a 20mph was desirable, and where it would be applied. It was proposed that public comment on the matter could be collated through the Neighbourhood Plan process. It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council would support 20mph in Dittisham Village, the Parish Council should take steps to support the 20’s plenty campaign, and move forward with identifying areas to post ‘20’s Plenty’ signs.
– Re_Draft minutes of the January meetings of Dittisham Parish Council [Response re ownership of land] Following circulation of the draft minutes of the January meeting, a resident comments that the DHNA’s statement that the triangle is part of the fundus leased from the Duchy cannot be correct since the area in question is above the Mean High Water (MHW) and therefore owned by the riparian owners who, according to the Land Registry plan held by Councillor Unitt are DPC and Soundings. The fact that DHNA pay rental to Dittisham Sailing Club for the land used by the ground chain of the Dittisham running moorings confirms that DHNA acknowledge this boundary to ownership and respect it. The gravel triangle is exactly the same. Having said that, no one that I have spoken to objects to DHNA organising a clean-up operation as long as the long-term occupiers, some of whom have satisfied all the requirements of adverse possession ie long term, continuous, open, undisguised use of an area without reference to the owner, are respected. The resident has suggested a future system of management similar to the Ham carpark; with possibly Dittisham Sailing Club control with annually designated allocation of dinghy spaces, free to residents, however they found useful. The Harbourmaster knows these views and the legal department at the RYA has confirmed the resident’s understanding of the fundus boundary. It was RESOLVED to bring this back as an agenda item for a future meeting.
– Request for local insight on mobile phone coverage in Devon Parishes Cllrs are informed that Parish Councils across Devon are being asked by South West wifi business working on rural connectivity projects across Wales and the South West to help build a clearer, ground-level picture of mobile phone coverage in rural areas via an online form (html). This is not a sales message and there is no obligation or commitment at any stage. Individual cllrs would follow this up.
– Storm Chandra Flooding 26th – 27th January Devon County Council’s Flood and Coastal Risk Management Team have asked for information about any areas affected by flooding due to Storm Chandra. The Council is asked for any information about the date/time and location that flooding occurred; If any properties were flooded internally (and the addresses of these properties, if known); Any key roads which were affected Photographs (if possible); Any other information deemed relevant. Cllrs were not aware of any areas of Dittisham Parish affected by flooding.
16. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Wednesday March 4 2026 at 7:00 pm.
Meeting closed at 21:44.