Parish Council meeting: Tuesday, 6 January 2026

Draft Minutes for the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday, 6 January 2026

1) Open Forum

1. Cllr Gabriel - South Hams Motor Club – 9th January a Rally will be passing through Avonwick, householders have received letters through their doors.
2. Cllr Snoxall - A Parishioner had reported large amount of dog poo again on the permissive path. Note will be put on the website reminding Parishioners to pick up after their dogs.
3. Cllr Grevatt - Mobile Phones in Avonwick – Some replies have been received regards poor signal in the Parish. Vodaphone noted that coverage is poor but there are no plans for another mast. EE are looking into local masts to see if adjustments can be made. O2 say that they are looking into the matters but no upgrades are planned at present. Signal strength is affected by topography and width of building walls.

2) Present

Cllr Steer (Chairman), Cllr Grevatt (Vice-Chair), Cllr Gabriel, Cllr Ring, Cllr Snoxall, Cllr Hunt, Cllr J Bell.

Attended by – No public present.

3) Apologies – C Cllr D Thomas, D Cllr D Hancock.

4) Declarations of Interest

5) Previous Minutes

Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 2nd December 2025.

The above minutes have been circulated and read - Proposed by Cllr Ring and seconded by Cllr Gabriel with all in agreement. Duly signed by the Chairman – Cllr Steer.

6) Matters Arising

1. North Huish Notice Board – this is still to be fitted – North Huish Community Group will also be given a key to the board.

7) Reports.

1. County Councillor D Thomas – no report given.
2. District Councillor G Pannell & D Hancock – written report has been circulated – LGR proposals ongoing with consultations expected in the Spring. South Hams Community Awards now open.
3. Play Park - Cllr Steer to look at quotes to replace the wood around the bottom of the fence.  Quotes to be sought for this years grass cutting contract.
4. Tree Warden – nothing to report.
5. P3 Co-Ordinator – nothing to report.
6. Defibrillator – Cllr Grevatt confirmed that the new pads have arrived and fitted.

8) Planning Applications / Matters.

Applications received from South Hams District Council

– none

Decisions received from South Hams District Council

1. a) Approval of Details Reserved by Conditions – Application no 2864/25/ARC – Bickham Farm, Diptford – Approval of details reserved by conditions 3 (Barn Owl Method Statement), 5 (External Lighting), 6 (Schedule of Works) to planning consent 1021/25/FUL.

9) Correspondence

1. South Hams Ramblers – South Hams Way – North South Link – The Clerk to Invite them the Feb meeting.
2. Letter from Marigold Seager-Berry – Feoffees retirement – the letter was read out and the contents noted by Cllrs. Cllr J Bell confirmed that he would contact Marigold direct in response to this.
3. Grit Bins at Avonwick – Letter received from a Parishioner regards the lack of Grit Bins. The Clerk confirmed that she had responded to the letter with the DCC Link where new bins can be requested, Avonwick should be favoured as they do not have any Bins within the Parish.  The Snow Warden also confirmed he would drop off some bags of Salt/Grit to Higher Moor.

10) Highways

1. Church Cross – Signs for the Junction – householder has been approached but no reply yet. Cllr Grevatt confirmed the signs will be around £25.00 for a pair, these to be ordered once the householder has agreed to them.
2. Drains Opposite Higher Moor – John Widdicome lengthsman has done but they are too blocked with silt for him to deal with, they need DCC with the mechanical gulley clearer.
3. Potholes noted in the Parish – need to be reported on the DCC website.

11) Finances

Precept 2026/2027 – figures have been circulated to Cllrs.

Cllr Hunt proposed £7,000, seconded by Cllr Gabriel – vote take 6 for and 1 against.

The cost per Band D Household will now be £31.20 per year.

Payments

1.12.25 – BACS - £139.20 (vat £23.20) – J Widdicombe (Lengthsman November).
1.12.25 – BACS - £118.74 (vat £19.79) – Defib Supplies.
7.12.25 – BACS - £22.75 - Avon Vale Tennis Club (Room Hire December).

Bank Balances January 2026

Treasurers Account	3,847.15
Business Account	6,069.77
	9,916.92

Monies held within PC Balance

P3 = £110.00

12) Next Meeting Date & Any Items for Next Meeting.

1. Next Meeting Date 3^rd February 2026.

There be no further business the meeting closed 8.14pm