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Minutes Council Meeting November 26 2024

Minutes of the Meeting of Stoodleigh Parish Council held on Tuesday November 26th, 2024 in the Village Hall at 7.00pm

Members present -:  Chairman Cllr W Knowles  Vice Chair Cllr J Widdowson  Cllr J Mansfield  Cllr G Parkman  Cllr D Wotton

County Cllr R Chesterton              

  1. Apologies – received from Cllrs Davey and Payne, also District Cllr C Adcock
  2. Declarations of Interest - none received
  3. The Public – there were 3 members of the public present. Mrs Brice wished to raise her serious concerns about the planning proposal 24/01634/PNCOU. Her main issues were limited vehicle access, excessive noise and unsuitability for such an apparently large-scale campsite in a conservation area. If used to capacity at any one time the waste water could also be a problem.
  4. Minutes of the Meeting held September 24th these were approved and signed as a true record
  5. Planning Applications and Outcomes –

24/00285/FULL Erection of 7 workshops (Use Class B) and café to serve development (Use Class E) following demolition of general industrial buildings, Shadow Ponds – awaiting appeal. The Chairman thought it still appropriate for the council to send a letter reiterating their main previous objections  

24/00982/PNCOU Change of land use to a temporary campsite consisting of 12 pitches, 3 touring vehicles and associated structures under Class BC, for a period of up to 60 days from 27/07/24 – 20/09/24, Lower Ford – delegated decision prior approval not required

24/01551/CAT Tree felling 1 conifer and reduce 1 cornus tree, Orchard View – awaiting decision

24/01634/PNCOU prior notification for the change of use of land to a temporary campsite consisting of 60 pitches & associated structures under Class BC for a period of 60 days, 1/4/25- 31/5/25, land at NGR 289763 119964, Little Wood – awaiting decision. This appeared to be a major change of use even if only for a short period, considering the number of pitches proposed. The Clerk was asked to research the standard criteria to approve such a change of use. Depending on the result the owner might be approached to allow a site visit. 

24/01655/CAT Notification of intention to remove damaged branches of Ash Tree and pollard down to 2m from the ground within a conservation area, Quoit-at Cross, Ex169PJ – awaiting decision

24/11415/TPO Application to remove 12 Ash Trees protected by TPO 85/00002/TPO, Pt Ford Plantation NGR 291376 118588 – permitted with conditions to replace

  1. Reports

County and District Councillors

Richard Chesterton explained that the recent bad weather had resulted in 560 calls to the Highways Department and 230 actual call outs. These had nearly all been resolved although other older known issues were still outstanding.  Cllr Mansfield raised the question of when might the enhancements to the N Devon Link Road be completed. DCC Chesterton announced that a map exercise to identify specific problems within the parish and establish the priorities for correction was to be arranged.

Next week at the full DCC meeting the agenda is whether to support farmers, after their unrest following the budget and the inheritance tax implications.

 District Cllr Adcock had already circulated his report.

Parish Councillors

EV charging point - the Parish Hall Committee had decided against hosting such a facility as there were too many complications to consider at this time.  The Church Path had been cleared of fallen trees to a degree although the fence has been damaged. Grateful thanks to Charlie Mason and Matt Williams for their assistance. 

  1. Devon Air Ambulance – Charlie Mason confirmed that should it be necessary to respond to a night call the helicopter would only land on a previously identified and approved site. When this subject had previously arisen, Stoodleigh Barton with an existing landing strip was the obvious choice but was apparently turned down as considered too far from the Link Road. Cllr Knowles was prepared to offer use of his facility again and create a helipad if required.
  2. The Playground and Boundary Wall – the wall had been repaired to a high standard and following his generous financial contribution to the work it was thought courteous to bring Chris Whitehead out to see this firsthand. Cllr Wotton offered to arrange this. Stuckeridge House had kindly provided a few additional stones free of charge. To prevent any future confusion the suggestion was made to formally transfer ownership of the wall to St Margaret’s Church subject to the church paying the conveyancing fee.
  3. The Notice Board – the council are in receipt of a grant of £800 from DCC Locality budget towards a replacement, but hardwood designs cost considerably more. Cllr Mansfield is to continue his research into various options.
  4. Airband – the revised plans seem disappointing, likewise dates for upgrading. There seem to be some inconsistencies with action to date and the properties to benefit. If sufficient households are on the voucher scheme this then justifies the capital investment. 2026 now the target
  5. Snow warden messaging – to officially appoint a local warden was discounted for a number of practical operational reasons. Additional insurance premium being just one.  The grit bins need to be checked and the identification number quoted to assist with any refill.
  6. Swap Box – Roger Hill has submitted a £450 estimate for painting and repair. There is some surplus paint from last time. Also there has been a donation to help towards this.
  7. Parish Plan – still awaiting any possibility of a financial contribution from DCC as was on the last occasion. Meeting deferred until January 2025. The Village Hall Committee would like to have some input.
  8. Risk Assessment –  Sexual Harassment in the Workplace 2024 was discussed and has now been incorporated
  9. Parish Council Meeting schedule for 2025 – the following dates were agreed

January 28th 2025

March 25th 2025

May 20th 2025

May 28th 2025 Annual Parish Meeting

July 29th 2025

September 30th 2025

November 25th 2025

January 27th 2026

March 31st 2026

The proposal to sanction remote meetings and proxy voting was briefly discussed, the council unanimously deciding that they preferred face to face meetings.

  1. Finance

HSBC current account as at 12/11/2024 is £10,053.92

The Clerk had not had much success to date with reinvesting the £2800 in the NS&I account but would continue to find more suitable options.

Precept 2025. It was agreed to keep the Precept at £6000. The Clerk declined a salary increase.

Audit report – Standing Orders and Financial Regulations have been updated on the website

Payments were approved – Clerk salary £360  HMRC £90  Defibshop £210  R Webber £198

M Berry £350    MJP Groundworks £4694.40 (retrospective)  RA Hill £177.60

R Hill £114  Bank charges £20

£3912 credited from C Whitehead