Parish Council meeting: Tuesday, 6 May 2025

Approved Minutes for the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday, 6 May 2025

These minutes were approved on 3 June 2025

Please noteEvery care has been taken to present this accessible copy of the minutes with accuracy, but the formal record of the meeting remains the signed paper copy of the minutes.

1) Open Forum

1. Tree Felling at Woodlea – some major works are taking place at the end of May to remove some large trees, this will result in the road being blocked for some time. Cllr Gabriel to contact the Parishioner as any works which require a road to be closed have to first be signed off by DCC Highways.
2. Paul Eden - Chairman of the Avonwick Tennis Club – 4th June at 4pm we have Defib training at the Club, 12 people already signed up to attend this. Outdoor space, sports and recreation plan for North Huish would be a good thing to have in place, if there is any new development in the Parish the 106 agreement monies would then be available to use. Club Members have been using the facility for parties, lunches etc, but the Club is not available for non-members because of public liability insurance.

2) Present

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

Attended by – 7 members of the Public

3) Apologies

C Cllr D Thomas.

4) Declarations of Interest

5) Previous Minutes

Minutes of the meeting held Tuesday 1st April 2025.

The above minutes have been circulated and read.

Proposed by Cllr Hunt and seconded by Cllr Bell with all in agreement. Duly signed by the Chairman – Cllr Steer.

6) Matters Arising

1. Avonwick Pumping Station – The Clerk reported that Cllr G Pannell is now looking into the fact that no reply has been received from SWWA, he has asked for copies of the e-mails sent and will question SWWA at the next Scrutiny Meeting. Cllr Steer commented that works on attenuation pond have been done recently.
2. Parish Emergency Flood Plan – Cllr Ring reported - another meeting is scheduled, Parishioners will be asked to add areas of concern to the draft plan, a flyer will be distributed to all Parishioners with help and what to do in an emergency.
   Flood Group – a decision needs to be made as to whether this is an independent group or a sub-committee of the Parish Council, this will be discussed at their next meeting.
3. North Huish Notice Board – A revised quotation for the board will be sought, all Cllrs happy to go ahead provided the cost is under £700. County & District Cllrs to be asked if they can help with the cost from their Localities Budget.
4. Biosolid Complaint – Higher Coarsewell PL21 – this has now abated as the material has been spread on the land.

7) Reports.

1. County Councillor D Thomas – nothing to report.
2. District Councillor G Pannell & D Hancock – Cllr Hancock reported on a water quality monitoring pilot which is being supported by the Council, this will involve a testing regime to improve water quality in South Hams Rivers. South Devon Community Forest – a consultation on the long term plan for the Forest is open now for comments.
3. Play Park - Cllr Steer – inspection done, all in order, grass has been cut and the new bench is in place.  Pits to be filled in where old table was fixed to the ground, the new Picnic Bench is now in place.
4. Tree Warden – Cllr Bell - Trees at Woodlea noted in public time that these are being removed as they have been deemed unsafe and this will involve a closure to a public road. Community Forest consultation as mentioned by Cllr Hancock. Hedgerow protection being looked at by DEFRA as trees in hedgerows need to be protected.
5. P3 Co-Ordinator – Cllr Snoxall reported that a working party is to be planned with parishioners to attend to Knotweed along the river. Knotweed at Cobbley Walk has been reported to DCC as its growing along the Public Footpath.
6. Defibrillator – Cllr Grevatt – ambulance service has now updated their software to bring all Defibs onto one central system.

8) Planning Applications / Matters.

Applications received from South Hams District Council –

1. Application no 1022/25/LBC & 1021/25/FUL – Bickham Farm, Diptford TQ9 7NJ – Listed building consent for change of use, reordering & conservation repair of existing listed agricultural barn to include 2 residential units, improved farm office space processing & storage facility, associated plant & addition of new gateway to courtyard. Cllrs discussed the proposal of the residential units on site and it was confirmed that the application stated these would be for farm workers.
   Proposed by Cllr Steer to support the application, seconded by Cllr Hunt with all in agreement.
2. Application no 0823/25/FUL – Hollymount Cottage, Avonwick TQ10 9NA
   Repairs to outbuilding.  Proposed by Cllr Steer to support the application, seconded by Cllr Hunt with all in agreement.

Decisions received from South Hams District Council –

9) Correspondence

1. Devon Wildlife Trust – Free Apples Trees for Community Spaces – application to be made for the Play Park.

10) Highways

1. Noted that the 2 Culverts on Horsebrook Lane have been marked up for repair, the third one has now also collapsed. The Clerk to ask Nick Colton – DCC Highway, if this one could be added to be repaired at the same time.

11) Finances

Payments

3.4.25 – BACS - £259.20 (vat £43.20) – John Widdicombe (Lengthsman & Playing Field Work).
3.4.25 – BACS - £197.77 (vat £25.78) – DALC (Annual Sub).
14.4.25 – BACS - £22.75 - Avon Vale Tennis Club (Room Hire April).
25.4.25 – BACS - £564.26 – Clear Councils (Annual Insurance Policy).

Bank Balances May 2025

Treasurers Account	4289.37
Business Account	6041.52
	10,330.89

Monies held within PC Balance

P3 = £110.00

12) Next Meeting

1. Next Meeting Date 3rd June 2025.

There be no further business the meeting closed 7.55pm