Present: BPC and SHDC Cllr Rake, BPC Cllrs Coe, Hadow, Luckens, Oughton, and Thomas were present, as were Clerk A Thom, and DCC Cllr Brazil for his report. There were two members of the public present.

a. Open Forum

The two members of the public were interested in separate items: one in the Wind Turbine Feasibility Study and the other in the application from The George Inn ‘Save the Pub’ Community Group for a grant from the Parish Council.

b. Councillors Forum

Cllrs agreed that the Clerk would ask for the grounds maintenance work done in the Churchyard to include cutting beside all pathways to a width of one metre, cutting next to the northern/interior churchyard walls to a width of 600mm, and strimming at the bottom of the Church walls on all sides, as described in the contract, and that BPC prioritises the grounds maintenance over wildflowers in these areas.

1. Apologies

All Cllrs present.

2. Co-option to fill the Vacancy for a Blackawton Parish Councillor

It was noted that no applications have been received to date. Cllrs were asked to discuss the vacancy with other residents, the PC will continue to advertise, and the Clerk will ask the Primary School to advertise it in its newsletters.

3. Declarations of Interest

Cllr Thomas declared an interest in the The George Inn ‘Save the Pub’ Community Group’s request for a grant, as did Cllr Coe. They will both request dispensations.

4. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

Cllr Brazil described a very positive end of financial year position. He said that changes in practice have lead to savings, which has enabled DCC to invest more in road maintenance (£4 million more than in the budget). This time next year roads will in a be better state than they are now. He said that DCC has borrowed to invest in preventative maintenance of the roads. There is a long term, three to four year, program to get roads back up to a good state, so they are just being maintained as they should be rather than in a state of managed decline. Extra money has also been invested in Children’s Services. Children’s Services have had very positive reports from the Government appointed Children’s Commissioner, recognising improvements. This reiterates Ofsted reports and monitoring letters of the current visits every three months.

Cllr Brazil reported that the Government has paid 90% (£180 million pounds) of the accumulated Special Education Needs and Disability debt on the condition that DCC has a sufficiency plan (such as inclusion units for schools etc). That plan has just been been signed off.

DCC has had its corporate peer challenge which was very positive. It congratulated senior staff and commented on the good relationship between councillors and officers. There has been an increase from 60% to 77% of staff who recommend DCC as a place to work. The report notes the strain DCC has been under related to the local government reorganisation project. The Government will advise its decision in the next two to three weeks.

5. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 May 2026.

6. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

SHDC Cllr Rake reported that the grant scheme for disabled living facilities and similar is being tweaked to allow people with long-term degenerative diseases to access the scheme early (before an expected reduction in ability happens). Some of the Crisis Resilience Fund money is being used for South Hams Citizens Advice to employ 1.5 full-time-equivalent caseworkers to meet the needs of specific local groups such as school leavers and veterans.

Cllr Rake said that the changeover in the management of the Leisure Centres has now taken place. It has gone very smoothly because of the work done by SHDC. The Centres stayed open and all memberships and bookings were honoured. The Centres are now being run on a management basis rather than under contract. SHDC receives all the money earned, pays the bills, and pays Parkwood a percentage based fee.

There is a change coming in how planning decisions are made. Currently SHDC has its own scheme of delegation. Decisions may be made by an officer, an officer with a councillor, or by the Planning Committee. From this autumn a national delegation scheme will be imposed. Small applications will be determined by officers. Major applications will still come to the Planning Committee. If it’s a major application of over 150 homes and the Planning Committee are minded to refuse the application the application will go straight to the Planning Inspectorate. Cllr Rake gave his view that this a retrograde step and an assault on local democracy. In response to the changes SHDC has reduced the size of the Planning Committee.

7. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

• 0902/26/HHO 26 French Furze Road Blackawton TQ9 7FN. Householder application for rear extension and alterations to existing dwelling. Conditional Approval.

• 0795/26/HHO 65 French Furze Road Blackawton TQ9 7FN. Householder application for proposed rear dormer to form additional bedroom with en-suite. Withdrawn.

• 0895/26/PAA Wild Bank Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AA PAA for 0211/26/AGR. Prior Approval Required and Given.

• 0862/26/HHO Stone House Farm Blackawton TQ9 7DE. Householder application for single storey rear extension & revised front entrance. Conditional Approval.

• 1336/26/AGR Valley View, Blackawton, TQ9 7DH. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a general purpose agricultural building. Prior Approval Not Required.

1. 2. Planning Inspectorate’s Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

• Appeal #6003579, SHDC Application 1520/25/PDM, Woodford Barn, Blackawton, Totnes. Dismissed.

• Appeal #6003542, SHDC Application 1505/25/PDM, Woodford Barn, Blackawton, Totnes. Dismissed.

1. 3. Review of New Applications

BPC considered commenting to SHDC on the following applications:

• 1466/26/HHO 2 Greenslade Road Blackawton TQ9 7BP. Demolish & replace existing conservatory with minor alterations.

It was resolved that no response will be made to SHDC.

• 1233/26/VAR Larcombe Farm East Allington TQ9 7QB. Application for variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning consent 1714/24/FUL.

It was resolved that no response will be made to SHDC.

The meeting noted that no extraordinary meeting was considered necessary to comment:

• New Club premises certificate application, Dartmouth Ruby Club, Dartmouth TQ6 9RR. Licence application for Supply and Consumption of alcohol on/off the premises. Closed 5 June 2026.

8. French Furze Development

A draft traffic management plan for the Business Units’ car parking area has been received from the developer. The Plan has to be submitted to SHDC prior to the Units’ occupation. No response has come back from the developer regarding the Business Units’ snagging list.

There will be a public French Furze residents’ meeting in the Village Hall on Wednesday 17 June. A new more local management company has been selected.

9. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

It was resolved to approve the proposed Terms of Reference document for the Steering Group (Advisory Committee).

It was resolved to formally appoint the three Sustainable Blackawton members of the Steering Group: J. Scott, C. Massey, and C. Everard. The Steering Group has met with the study provider and given feedback on potential sites, achieving a shortlist of four sites for further assessment. The Clerk advised that payment of an invoice for Work Package 1 should be deferred because not all of that work has been carried out. It was resolved to delegate to the Clerk, in consultation with the Steering Group, the authority to decide to when to pay that invoice.

10. Grant Application from The George Inn ‘Save the Pub’ Community Group

It was resolved to approve the request for a grant of £580 to fund: Plunkett Foundation membership (£270 for first year) and a £310 one-of cost to use its model rules for a Community Benefit Society. It is expected that BPC will be able to directly pay an invoice from the Plunkett Foundation.

Cllr Thomas reported that the Group is accessing 15 hours of ‘free’ advice time from the Plunkett Foundation. Cllr Thomas said that the Plunkett Foundation has asked if the Parish Council supports the Group and that BPC can show support with the grant. The grant will enable the next stages of project. A legal structure is needed for a bank account. Seed funding will be needed, for example to pay for a formal valuation. The group has a website (www.saveourpubblackawton.co.uk) and t-shirts are coming.

11. Churchyard Contract to cut back vegetation growing on Churchyard Walls

It was resolved to note that the first cut was completed in May as scheduled and that ivy was removed from the lychgate without damaging it, to alter the contract specifications to allow removal of ivy from gate piers, and to accept Cllr Luckens offer to carry out repointing work to the lychgate piers with materials costs paid by BPC.

12. Annual Governance and Accountability Return 25/26 Financial Year

    1. 25/26 Internal Audit

The meeting noted the Auditor’s Report. The Report says that the Council has met all control objectives.

1. 2. 25/26 Audit Annual Governance Statement

It was resolved to approve the Statement.

1. 3. Signature of the Audit Annual Governance Statement

The Statement was signed by the Chair and by the Clerk.

1. 4. 25/26 Audit Accounting Statements

The Accounting Statements were considered.

1. 5. 25/26 Audit Accounting Statements

It was resolved to approve the Statements.

1. 6. 25/26 Audit Accounting Statements

The Statements were signed by the Chair of the Meeting.

1. 7. Publication of Notice of Public Rights &
      Publication of Annual Governance & Accountability Return

It was noted that the Return & Notice will be published on the website and noticeboard, with inspection dates from Monday 15 June 2026 to Friday 24 July 2026.

13. Financial Reports

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The Reports and Bank Reconciliation were received. They showed a total balance of £68,196.73 and an unearmarked general fund of £28,067.08.

1. 2. Bank Mandate

The meeting noted that Cllrs have updated the mandate to remove the Cllr who resigned recently as required.

1. 3. Payments

It was resolved to authorise the following payments:

• Clerk, May Expenses Reimbursement: £45.57

• Cllr Coe, Parish Meeting Refreshments Reimbursement: £37.02

• Grounds Maintenance Frequent cuts May 13 and 27:
  Churchyard £210.00 & Cemetery £228.00

• Internal Audit 25/26: £165.00

• Churchyard wall vegetation cut back: £750.00 (when invoice received)

• Cemetery Hedge roadside face cut 2026: £90.00

The payment authorised since the last monthly meeting was noted:

• Works to broken Monterey Cypress branches as per quote: £432.00

14. BPC Policies and Procedures

It was resolved to adopt:

1. 1. Disciplinary Policy and Grievance Policy (new policies)

   2. Document Retention and Disposal Schedule (reviewed)

2. Correspondence

The following was noted:

• Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Community Conversation online event 12/6/26 12:00:
  Outdoor fire safety this summer.

16. Next Meeting

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 13 July at 7:30 p.m.

17. Closure of the Meeting

It was not considered necessary to exclude the public and press to discuss the Wind Turbine Feasibility Study in confidence.

18. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

No commercial-in-confidence aspects of the feasibility study were addressed.

The meeting closed at 20:45.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF UNAUDITED ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 26 and 27

The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)

LOCAL AUTHORITY ACCOUNTS: A SUMMARY OF YOUR RIGHTS

Please note that this summary applies to all relevant smaller authorities, including local councils, internal drainage boards and ‘other’ smaller authorities.

The basic position

The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (the Act) governs the work of auditors appointed to smaller authorities. This summary explains the provisions contained in Sections 26 and 27 of the Act. The Act and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 also cover the duties, responsibilities and rights of smaller authorities, other organisations and the public concerning the accounts being audited.

As a local elector, or an interested person, you have certain legal rights in respect of the accounting records of smaller authorities. As an interested person you can inspect accounting records and related documents. If you are a local government elector for the area to which the accounts relate you can also ask questions about the accounts and object to them. You do not have to pay directly for exercising your rights. However, any resulting costs incurred by the smaller authority form part of its running costs. Therefore, indirectly, local residents pay for the cost of you exercising your rights through their council tax.

The right to inspect the accounting records

Any interested person can inspect the accounting records, which includes but is not limited to local electors. You can inspect the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records. You can copy all, or part, of these records or documents. Your inspection must be about the accounts, or relate to an item in the accounts. You cannot, for example, inspect or copy documents unrelated to the accounts, or that include personal information (Section 26 (6) – (10) of the Act explains what is meant by personal information). You cannot inspect information which is protected by commercial confidentiality. This is information which would prejudice commercial confidentiality if it was released to the public and there is not, set against this, a very strong reason in the public interest why it should nevertheless be disclosed.

When smaller authorities have finished preparing accounts for the financial year and approved them, they must publish them (including on a website). There must be a 30 working day period, called the ‘period for the exercise of public rights’, during which you can exercise your statutory right to inspect the accounting records. Smaller authorities must tell the public, including advertising this on their website, that the accounting records and related documents are available to inspect. By arrangement you will then have 30 working days to inspect and make copies of the accounting records. You may have to pay a copying charge. The 30 working day period must include a common period of inspection during which all smaller authorities’ accounting records are available to inspect. This will be 1-14 July 2026 for 2025/26 accounts. The advertisement must set out the dates of the period for the exercise of public rights, how you can communicate to the smaller authority that you wish to inspect the accounting records and related documents, the name and address of the auditor, and the relevant legislation that governs the inspection of accounts and objections.

The right to ask the auditor questions about the accounting records

You should first ask your smaller authority about the accounting records, since they hold all the details. If you are a local elector, your right to ask questions of the external auditor is enshrined in law. However, while the auditor will answer your questions where possible, they are not always obliged to do so. For example, the question might be better answered by another organisation, require investigation beyond the auditor’s remit, or involve disproportionate cost (which is borne by the local taxpayer). Give your smaller authority the opportunity first to explain anything in the accounting records that you are unsure about. If you are not satisfied with their explanation, you can question the external auditor about the accounting records.

The law limits the time available for you formally to ask questions. This must be done in the period for the exercise of public rights, so let the external auditor know your concern as soon as possible. The advertisement or notice that tells you the accounting records are available to inspect will also give the period for the exercise of public rights during which you may ask the auditor questions, which here means formally asking questions under the Act. You can ask someone to represent you when asking the external auditor questions.

Before you ask the external auditor any questions, inspect the accounting records fully, so you know what they contain. Please remember that you cannot formally ask questions, under the Act, after the end of the period for the exercise of public rights. You may ask your smaller authority other questions about their accounts for any year, at any time. But these are not questions under the Act.

You can ask the external auditor questions about an item in the accounting records for the financial year being audited. However, your right to ask the external auditor questions is limited. The external auditor can only answer ‘what’ questions, not ‘why’ questions. The external auditor cannot answer questions about policies, finances, procedures or anything else unless it is directly relevant to an item in the accounting records. Remember that your questions must always be about facts, not opinions. To avoid misunderstanding, we recommend that you always put your questions in writing.

The right to make objections at audit

You have inspected the accounting records and asked your questions of the smaller authority. Now you may wish to object to the accounts on the basis that an item in them is in your view unlawful or there are matters of wider concern arising from the smaller authority’s finances. A local government elector can ask the external auditor to apply to the High Court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful, or to issue a report on matters which are in the public interest. You must tell the external auditor which specific item in the accounts you object to and why you think the item is unlawful, or why you think that a public interest report should be made about it. You must provide the external auditor with the evidence you have to support your objection. Disagreeing with income or spending does not make it unlawful. To object to the accounts you must write to the external auditor stating you want to make an objection, including the information and evidence below and you must send a copy to the smaller authority. The notice must include:

• confirmation that you are an elector in the smaller authority’s area;

• why you are objecting to the accounts and the facts on which you rely;

• details of any item in the accounts that you think is unlawful; and

• details of any matter about which you think the external auditor should make a public interest report.

Other than it must be in writing, there is no set format for objecting. You can only ask the external auditor to act within the powers available under the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014.

A final word

You may not use this ‘right to object’ to make a personal complaint or claim against your smaller authority. You should take such complaints to your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, local Law Centre or to your solicitor. Smaller authorities, and so local taxpayers, meet the costs of dealing with questions and objections. In deciding whether to take your objection forward, one of a series of factors the auditor must take into account is the cost that will be involved, they will only continue with the objection if it is in the public interest to do so. They may also decide not to consider an objection if they think that it is frivolous or vexatious, or if it repeats an objection already considered. If you appeal to the courts against an auditor’s decision not to apply to the courts for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful, you will have to pay for the action yourself.

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Internal Audit written report 2025 26

Annual Governance Statement 2025 26 Signed by BPC

Accounting Statements 2025 26 signed by BPC

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Salary payments are not included on the grounds of data protection.

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You are hereby summoned to attend the monthly meeting of Blackawton Parish Council to be held on Monday 8 June 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Blackawton Village Hall for the purpose of transacting the following business.

a. Open Forum

The Chair invites Questions from Parishioners.

b. Councillors Forum

Cllrs may raise items for attention or for future consideration.

AGENDA

1. Apologies

To receive apologies for absence.

2. Co-option to fill the Vacancy for a Blackawton Parish Councillor

To note that no applications were received as at 3 June. To agree further action to advertise & fill the vacancy.

3. Declarations of Interest

To receive declarations of Members’ interests in Agenda items.

4. Minutes of Previous Meetings

To approve Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 May 2026.

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

6. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

7. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

To note the decisions as follows:

• 0902/26/HHO 26 French Furze Road Blackawton TQ9 7FN. Householder application for rear extension and alterations to existing dwelling. Conditional Approval.

• 0795/26/HHO 65 French Furze Road Blackawton TQ9 7FN. Householder application for proposed rear dormer to form additional bedroom with en-suite. Withdrawn.

• 0895/26/PAA Wild Bank Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AA PAA for 0211/26/AGR. Prior Approval Required and Given.

• 0862/26/HHO Stone House Farm Blackawton TQ9 7DE. Householder application for single storey rear extension & revised front entrance. Conditional Approval.

• 1336/26/AGR Valley View, Blackawton, TQ9 7DH. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a general purpose agricultural building. Prior Approval Not Required.

1. 2. Planning Inspectorate’s Decisions

To note the decisions as follows:

• Appeal #6003579, SHDC Application 1520/25/PDM, Woodford Barn, Blackawton, Totnes. Dismissed.

• Appeal #6003542, SHDC Application 1505/25/PDM, Woodford Barn, Blackawton, Totnes. Dismissed.

1. 3. Review of New Applications

To consider commenting to SHDC on the following applications:

• 1466/26/HHO 2 Greenslade Road Blackawton TQ9 7BP. Demolish & replace existing conservatory with minor alterations.

• 1233/26/VAR Larcombe Farm East Allington TQ9 7QB. Application for variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning consent 1714/24/FUL.

To note that no extraordinary meeting was considered necessary to comment:

• New Club premises certificate application, Dartmouth Ruby Club, Dartmouth TQ6 9RR. Licence application for Supply and Consumption of alcohol on/off the premises. Closed 5 June 2026.

8. French Furze Development

To receive an update.

9. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

To approve a Terms of Reference document for the Steering Group (Advisory Committee).

To appoint the three Sustainable Blackawton members of the Steering Group.

To receive an update on progress.

To consider approval of an Invoice for £9,900 for Work Package 1: lnception & Project Planning, Local Area Study, Grid Connection Options, lnitial Technical Feasibility.

10. The George Inn ‘Save the Pub’ Community Group

To consider the request for a grant of £580 to fund: Plunkett Foundation membership (£270 for first year) and £310 one off cost to use its model rules for a Community Benefit Society.

11. Churchyard Contract to cut back vegetation growing on Churchyard Walls

To note that the first cut was completed in May as scheduled and that ivy was removed from the lychgate without damaging it.
To consider altering the contract specifications to allow removal of ivy from gate piers.

To consider arranging for repointing work to the lychgate piers.

12. Annual Governance and Accountability Return 25/26 Financial Year

    1. 25/26 Internal Audit

To note the Auditor’s report and its recommendations.

1. 2. 25/26 Audit Annual Governance Statement

To resolve to approve the Statement.

1. 3. Signature of the Audit Annual Governance Statement

   4. 25/26 Audit Accounting Statements

To consider the Accounting Statements.

1. 5. 25/26 Audit Accounting Statements

To resolve to approve the Statements.

1. 6. 25/26 Audit Accounting Statements

Signature by the Chair of the Meeting.

1. 7. Publication of Notice of Public Rights &
      Publication of Annual Governance & Accountability Return

To note that the Return & Notice will be published, with inspection dates from Monday 15 June 2026 to Friday 24 July 2026.

13. Financial Reports

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

To receive Reports and Bank Reconciliation.

1. 2. Bank Mandate

To note that Cllrs have updated the mandate to remove the Cllr who resigned recently as required.

1. 3. Payments

To authorise the following payments

• Clerk May Expenses Reimbursement: £45.57

• Cllr Coe Parish Meeting Refreshments Reimbursement: £37.02

• Grounds Maintenance Frequent cuts May 13 and 27:
  Churchyard £210.00 & Cemetery £228.00

• Internal Audit 25/26: £165.00

• Churchyard wall vegetation cut back: £750.00

• Cemetery Hedge roadside face cut 2026: £90.00

Payments authorised since the last monthly meeting

• Works to broken Monterey Cypress branches as per quote: £432.00

14. BPC Policies and Procedures

To consider approval of:

1. 1. Disciplinary Policy and Grievance Policy – new policies

   2. Document Retention and Disposal Schedule – reviewed

2. Correspondence

To note or consider:

• Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Community Conversation online event 12/6/26 12:00:
  Outdoor fire safety this summer.

16. Next Meeting

To confirm that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 13 July at 7:30 p.m.

17. Closure of the Meeting

To consider a resolution, 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 nature of the business.

18. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

To receive an update on commercial-in-confidence aspects of the feasibility study.

PRESS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE VERY WELCOME TO ATTEND

Annette Thom

Parish Clerk

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Risk scores calculated using the matrix provided as an Appendix

2. Financial Risk

3. Failure to succession plan

4. Resources

5. Loss of Reputation

6 Insurance

L = Likelihood of risk occurring (1 = Unlikely to 4 = Highly likely)

I = Impact of risk if it occurs (1 = Low impact or inconvenience to 4 = Major adverse outcome)

RS = RISK SCORE (Likelihood x Impact) i.e. Indicates PRIORITIES FOR ACTION

Approved by BPC 11/5/26.

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Present: BPC and SHDC Cllr Rake, BPC Cllrs Coe, Hadow, Luckens, and Thomas were present, as were Clerk A Thom, and DCC Cllr Brazil for his report. There were no members of the public present.
Absent: Cllr Oughton.

Annual Meeting of the Parish Council

1. Election of Chair

It was unanimously resolved to re-elect Cllr Rake as Chair.

2. Chair’s Signature of Declaration of Acceptance of Office

It was resolved that Cllr Rake can sign the declaration after the meeting.

3. Election of Vice-Chair

It was unanimously resolved to re-elect Cllr Oughton as Vice-Chair subject to his acceptance.

4. Vice-Chair’s Signature of Declaration of Acceptance of Office

Deferred in the absence of Cllr Oughton.

5. Apologies for absence

Apologies have been received from Cllr Oughton.

6. Terms of Reference for Personnel Committee and Subcommittee

It was resolved to approve the document.

7. To appoint members of the Personnel Committee and Subcommittee

Cllrs Rake, Oughton, and Hadow were re-appointed to continue as the Personnel Committee and Subcommittee.

8. To appoint the Chair of the Personnel Committee

It was unanimously resolved to re-elect Cllr Rake as Chair.

9. BPC’s Delegations of Authority to the Clerk

The proposed document was implemented by resolution. The Clerk’s authority to grant dispensations has been removed to make the document consistent with BPC’s practice.

It was resolved to implement the risk assessment regarding the appointment of a Cllr as temporary clerk and RFO. The delegation for the Clerk and RFO to authorise expenditure without consultation would be revoked while a Cllr temporarily fills the roles.

10. BPC’s Standing Orders.

It was resolved to adopt the proposed document. There are no new model standing orders.

11. BPC’s Financial Regulations

It was resolved to adopt the proposed document. There are no new model financial regulations.

12. Asset Register as at 31/03/26

The Asset Register was confirmed.

13. Arrangements for insurance cover in respect of all insurable risks

The new three year agreement which ends 3/5/29 was noted.

14. Subscriptions to other bodies, Contracts, & Direct Debit Mandate

The arrangements were reviewed and no changes were made.

15. Review of the Council’s Bank Signatory Mandate, and the Banking arrangements’ security and efficiency

It was agreed that the existing three signatories are sufficient pending the co-option of a new Cllr. The mandate will be updated to remove the Cllr who resigned recently.

16. Approval of the list of due payments which arise on a regular basis as the result of a continuing contract, statutory duty, or obligation, and which will be authorised by the Council and paid in response to correct invoices

The existing list was confirmed.

17. 25/26 financial year expenditure incurred under s.137 of the Local Government Act 1972

The expenditure was noted (£307.78).

18. List of the Council’s Policies and Procedures

The list was noted. The Clerk advised the meeting that the Data Retention and Disposal Policy was reviewed in March 2026 and its approval by BPC will be on BPC’s June Agenda, as will Disciplinary and Grievance Policies. The review of Privacy Notices will be addressed by the July meeting of BPC.

19. 2026 Statement of Internal Controls

The Statement was approved.

20. 2026 Risk Register Review, Business Continuity Plan, Risk Assessment for the Temporary Appointment of a Councillor as Clerk (Proper Officer) and RFO

The proposed documents were confirmed and Cllr Luckens was reappointed to be a Temporary Clerk (Proper Officer) and RFO in the event of the in the event of the sudden absence of the Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.

The Council acknowledges that a Cllr in the role of Clerk and RFO combines member and officer functions, and that the councillor assisting by temporarily carrying out the roles is not trained or experienced in the roles, therefore the arrangement presents some risk. To mitigate these risks, the delegated authority granted to the Clerk to authorise payments alone would be suspended with immediate effect and the Temporary Clerk/RFO shall not approve any payments (with the bank). Training BPC Cllrs, such as the training booked for June 2026, also mitigates the risk and helps to ensure correct practice.

21. Time and Place of Ordinary Meetings of the Full Council

The Parish Council will continue to meet on the second Monday of every month except August at 7:30 pm in the Blackawton Village Hall.

22. Appointments to special areas of responsibility:

    1. Blackawton Tree Warden

The meeting confirmed the arrangement of the two tree wardens sharing the role.

1. 2. Snow Warden and Footpath Warden.

The meeting noted that these positions are currently vacant.

May Meeting of the Parish Council

a. Open Forum

There were no members of the public present.

b. Councillors Forum

No matters were raised.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Oughton.

2. Declarations of Interest

None declared.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 April 2026.

4. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

SHDC Cllr Rake reported that Fusion Leisure is in administration. SHDC had already lined up a replacement provider: Parkwood Leisure who operate in Torbay and elsewhere. So a smooth transfer of Centres and staff will take place. Membership and bookings will all be transferred. There is a cost to SHDC because it will not paid be under the contract and accrued bad debt will be written off. SHDC is paying an administrator to run the Centres during the changeover and Parkwood is paying differently. Parkwood will take share of turnover. It is expected the Centres will run at a small loss, but they are an important community asset. Under this arrangement there is more incentive to increase business. SHDC has more input in targets and VAT can now be reclaimed by SHDC. Centre user numbers have now improved and are better than prior to the COVID pandemic.

SHDC is now starting to make grant payments to residents under an heating oil support scheme. It is means tested. Residents can apply via the SHDC website or by phoning SHDC. If residents use gas heating they can apply to a related fund.

SHDC had an above budget 2025-26 year end financial position which has now been spent on the Leisure Centres.

It is expected that the Secretary of State will make a decision about Local Government Reorganisation in early July.

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

Deferred pending the arrival of DCC Cllr Brazil after other meetings.

6. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

• 0917/26/ARC Bow Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 7 (Sustainable Drainage Option) of planning consent 1799/25/HHO. Discharge of Condition Approved.

• 0865/26/TCA 3 Church Hill Blackawton TQ9 7BQ. T1: Oak – remove, too large, causing excessive shading, too close to power line. Raise No Objections.

1. 1. Review of New Applications

• Variation application for a premises licence (SHPL0398) at Dartmouth Golf & Country Club, Blackawton, Dartmouth, TQ9 7DE for Supply of alcohol, ADD to the non-standard timings to permit sale of alcohol to residents of the hotel and bona fide guests at all times ON/OFF the premises (24hours a day). Live Music, to extend the terminal hour for live music Mondays to Saturdays until 01:00 the following mornings and Sundays until midnight, indoors only. Plays, to permit performance of plays Sundays to Thursdays from 19:00 to 01:00 the following mornings, indoors only.

No comment is being submitted by BPC.

The following application was noted:

• 0895/26/PAA Wild Bank Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AA PAA for 0211/26/AGR Application to determine if prior approval is required for five polytunnels/.

7. French Furze Development

Some outstanding snagging work has been done to the Business Units, including cleaning the exterior. Work is scheduled this week for kitchen sockets and to address water ingress. The traffic management plan is outstanding and expected. Then another meeting will be held with the developer. The Business Units CIC has been offered £20,000 from SHDC, which SHDC holds under s106 to be used for economic development.

8. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

It was resolved to accept the proposal to increase the Steering Group membership to three Parish Councillors (Cllrs Rake, Coe, and Hadow), three members of Sustainable Blackawton, and the Clerk, and that the Steering Group will require four present to be quorate. The Study provider has provided an initial project plan, draft risk register, and project structure. They have completed the initial local area study and will present it to a Steering Group meeting next week.

9. Creation of a Blackawton Community Emergency Hub

Cllr Coe will follow this up with the Village Hall Committee.

10. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

DCC Cllr Brazil reported that the reinstatement of the Slapton Line road would cost about £20 million. DCC is waiting for the Government’s decision about whether the Government will fund the works. In the meantime DCC is working to improve the back-roads, mainly those running north-south (i.e. Five Mile and Three Mile roads). It is planning works to improve line of sight, to tarmac passing places, and may create new passing places. About £1.5 million will be invested.

There is now a one way traffic system creating a circular flow of traffic in Kingsbridge town centre and the traffic lights have gone. There is free car parking in the Quay and Fore Street car parks from 2pm. Cllr Brazil encourages residents to try to shop in Kingsbridge and to support our local towns.

DCC has just had its briefing on the 2025-26 financial year-end financial position, which was very positive. The outcome changed from an expected deficit to a surplus. DCC has been able to invest in Children’s Services and repairing potholes. There are four new teams in Devon which work to fix potholes on the same day they are reported or the next day. £15 million has been borrowed for preventive maintenance. This was possible because the Government paid its SEND debt, which in turn allowed borrowing to save more in long term. Doing things well is saving money e.g. there are more full time social work staff so less is spent on higher cost temporary staffing. Pilot scheme research was done evaluating filling nearby potholes as well as the identified fault. The data is being considered by the DCC Cabinet on 20 May. The evidence supports this approach if the ‘nearby’ area is not too big.

Cllr Brazil offered funding from his DCC Locality Budget for BPC’s planned regular strimming of the visibility splay at Forces Cross by the Blackawton Parish Lengthsman. This was supported by BPC Cllrs.

Cllr Rake raised an issue with car parking in the Grove damaging an area of grass verge. Work is needed to establish who owns the affected land and residents’ preferred solution.

Cllr Brazil reported that land has been purchased to create another community woodland at West Charleton. DEFRA has bought the land and the Woodland Trust is providing the trees and fencing to protect the trees from deer. Volunteers will be needed to plant the trees.

11. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The Reports (which show a total balance of £71,174.71 and an unearmarked general fund of £30,655.06) and Bank Reconciliation were noted.

1. 2. Payments

It was resolved to authorise the following payments:

• Clerk April Expenses Reimbursement £8.04

• Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management 2026/2027 Membership £110.00

• Highway safety training £132.00

• Grounds Maintenance:

• • • • War memorial £36.00

      • Cemetery biodiversity cut £42.00

      • Cemetery cuts 1, 15, and 29 April £315.00

      • Churchyard cuts 1, 15, and 29 April £342.00

• Society of Local Council Clerks Annual Fee £200

Payment authorised since the last monthly meeting noted:

• Rowan trees, stakes, ties, & fertiliser £672.52

12. Parish Lengthsman Contract

As noted earlier in the meeting, strimming the visibility splay at Forces Cross has been added to the Parish Lengthsman’s contract.

13. Correspondence

The following were noted or considered:

• Email 30/4/26 from Strete Parish Council regarding the Start Bay Coastal erosion

• Invitation Caroline Voaden MP to Town and Parish Councils, Role of Neighbourhood Plans in planning policy, Halwell & Moreleigh Community Hall, 11/6/26 13.45 – 15.15.
  Cllrs Rake and Coe will attend as BPC’s representatives.

14. Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday 13 May 2026

The arrangements for the meeting were finalised. Cllr Coe will arrange refreshments. Cllr Hadow gave her apologies.

15. Next Meeting

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 8 June at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting closed at 20:59.

The post Draft Minutes 2026 May 11 appeared first on Blackawton.

Reserves and Bank Balances 2026 April 30

SummaryByCostCentre 2026 April 30

The post Meeting Supporting Documents 2026 May 11 appeared first on Blackawton.

You are hereby summoned to attend the meetings of Blackawton Parish Council to be held on Monday 11 May 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Blackawton Village Hall for the purpose of transacting the following business.

a. Open Forum

The Chair invites Questions from Parishioners.

b. Councillors Forum

Cllrs may raise items for attention or for future consideration.

AGENDAS

Annual Meeting of the Parish Council

1. Election of Chair

2. Chair’s Signature of Declaration of Acceptance of Office

3. Election of Vice-Chair

4. Vice-Chair’s Signature of Declaration of Acceptance of Office

5. Apologies for absence

6. To review and adopt BPC’s Terms of Reference Personnel Committee and Subcommittee (amended to make election of the Committee Chair BPC’s role)

7. To appoint members of the Personnel Committee and Subcommittee

8. To appoint the Chair of the Personnel Committee

9. To review and adopt BPC’s Delegations of Authority to the Clerk (removing authority to grant dispensations)

10. To review and adopt BPC’s Standing Orders.

11. To review and adopt BPC’s Financial Regulations

12. To confirm the Asset Register as at 31/03/26

13. Arrangements for insurance cover in respect of all insurable risks

To note the new three year agreement which ends 3/5/29.

14. To review of the Council’s Subscriptions to other bodies, Contracts, & Direct Debit mandates.

15. To review the Council’s Bank signatory mandate, and the banking arrangements for security and efficiency

16. To consider and approve the list of due payments which arise on a regular basis as the result of a continuing contract, statutory duty, or obligation, and which will be authorised by the Council and paid in response to correct invoices.

17. To note the Council’s 25/26 financial year expenditure incurred under s.137 of the Local Government Act 1972

18. To review of the list of the Council’s policies and procedures, and to agree any action required.

19. To consider and approve a 2026 Statement of Internal Controls.

20. To consider and approve a:

• 2026 Risk Register Review,

• Business Continuity Plan,

• Risk Assessment for the Temporary Appointment of a Councillor as Clerk (Proper Officer) and RFO, and to

• appoint a Councillor as a Temporary Clerk (Proper Officer) and RFO.

21. To determine the time and place of ordinary meetings of the full council.

22. Appointments to special areas of responsibility:

    1. To confirm appointment for a Tree Warden.

    2. To note the vacancies for a Snow Warden and a Footpath Warden.

May Meeting of the Parish Council

1. Apologies

To receive apologies for absence

2. Declarations of Interest

To receive declarations of Members’ interests in Agenda items

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

To approve Minutes of the Meeting held 13 April 2026.

4. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

6. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

To note the decisions as follows:

• 0917/26/ARC Bow Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 7 (Sustainable Drainage Option) of planning consent 1799/25/HHO. Discharge of Condition Approved.

• 0865/26/TCA 3 Church Hill Blackawton TQ9 7BQ. T1: Oak – remove, too large, causing excessive shading, too close to power line. Raise No Objections

1. 2. Review of New Applications

To consider commenting to SHDC on the following applications:

• Variation application for a premises licence (SHPL0398) at Dartmouth Golf & Country Club, Blackawton, Dartmouth, TQ9 7DE for Supply of alcohol, ADD to the non-standard timings to permit sale of alcohol to residents of the hotel and bona fide guests at all times ON/OFF the premises (24hours a day). Live Music, to extend the terminal hour for live music Mondays to Saturdays until 01:00 the following mornings and Sundays until midnight, indoors only. Plays, to permit performance of plays Sundays to Thursdays from 19:00 to 01:00 the following mornings, indoors only.

To note the following application:

• 0895/26/PAA Wild Bank Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AA PAA for 0211/26/AGR Application to determine if prior approval is required for five polytunnels/

7. French Furze Development

To receive an update.

8. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

To consider the proposal for an amendment to the Steering Group membership.

To receive an update from Study provider: initial project plan, draft risk register, and project structure.

9. Creation of a Blackawton Community Emergency Hub

To receive an update.

10. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

To receive Reports and Bank Reconciliation.

1. 2. Payments

To authorise the following payments

• Clerk April Expenses Reimbursement £8.04

• Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management 2026/2027 Membership £110.00

• Highway safety training £132.00

• Grounds Maintenance:

• • • • War memorial £36.00

      • Cemetery biodiversity cut £42.00

      • Cemetery cuts 1, 15, and 29 April £315.00

      • Churchyard cuts 1, 15, and 29 April £342.00

• Society of Local Council Clerks Annual Fee £200

Payments authorised since the last monthly meeting

• Rowan trees, stakes, ties, & fertiliser £672.52

11. Parish Lengthsman Contract

To note that strimming the visibility splay at Forces Cross has been added to the contract.

12. Correspondence

To note or consider:

• Email 30/4/26 from Strete Parish Council regarding the Start Bay Coastal erosion

• Invitation Caroline Voaden MP to Town and Parish Councils, Role of Neighbourhood Plans in planning policy, Halwell & Moreleigh Community Hall, 11/6/26 13.45 – 15.15.

13. Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday 13 May

To finalise arrangements.

14. Next Meeting

To confirm the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 8 June at 7:30 p.m.

PRESS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE VERY WELCOME TO ATTEND

Annette Thom

Parish Clerk

The post Agenda 2026 May 11 appeared first on Blackawton.

Present: BPC Cllrs Oughton (Vice-Chair and meeting Chair), Hadow, Luckens, and Thomas were present, as were Clerk A Thom. There were two members of the public present for the first part of the meeting.
Absent: Cllrs Rake and Coe.

a. Open Forum

The members of the public present were interested in the Wind Turbine Feasibility Study item.

b. Councillors Forum

Cllr Mardon has resigned from the Parish Council.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were noted from BPC and SHDC Cllr Rake, BPC Cllr Coe, and from DCC Cllr Brazil.

2. Declarations of Interest

Cllr Hadow declared an Other Registerable Interest in the Wind Turbine Feasibility Study item, as a member of Sustainable Blackawton. It was resolved to grant a dispensation for period of four years to speak and vote on items related to the Wind Turbine Feasibility Study.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 9 March 2026.

4. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

This Report was deferred in the absence of SHDC Cllr Rake.

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

This Report was deferred in the absence of DCC Cllr Brazil.

6. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study Grant

This item was moved forward at the Chair’s discretion.

It was unanimously resolved to approve BPC’s signature of the Grant Funding Agreement.

It was resolved to approve BPC’s signature of the Non Disclosure Agreement with the study provider (Community Power Solutions Ltd.).

It was agreed to create a Steering Group as a central point with which CPS will share information. The Steering Group will have two representatives each from BPC and from Sustainable Blackawton. The Clerk will be included for oversight. The Steering Group will then take action, share more widely etc. as required. The meeting nominated Cllrs Rake and Coe as BPC’s two Steering Group members (subject to their acceptance). Sustainable Blackawton will choose its two representatives and advise.

The members of the public present left the meeting.

7. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

• 0140/26/HHO Lower Abbotsleigh Blackawton TQ9 7AF. Householder application for retrospective permission for a timber summerhouse built within 2m of the boundary. Conditional Approval.

• 0375/26/ARC Bow Cottage, Blackawton, TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 6 (Historic Building Record) of planning consent 1800/25/LBC. Discharge of Condition Approved.

• 0378/26/ARC Bow Cottage, Blackawton, TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 6 (CEMP) & 8 (Historic Building Record) of planning consent 1799/25/HHO. Discharge of Condition Approved.

• 0551/26/AGR Grimpstone Farm Blackawton TQ9 7DW. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed agricultural storage building measuring 13.1m (L) x 6.7m (B) x 6.8m height to ridge. Prior Approval Not Required.

• 0192/26/CLE The Linhay Higher Wood Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AB. Certificate of lawfulness for non compliance with occupancy condition. Cert of Lawfulness (Existing) Certified.

1. 2. Review of New Applications .

The meeting considered commenting to SHDC on the following applications:

• 0795/26/HHO 65 French Furze Road Blackawton TQ9 7FN. Householder application for proposed rear dormer to form additional bedroom with en-suite.

It was resolved that no response will be submitted.

• 0862/26/HHO Stone House Farm Blackawton TQ9 7DE. Householder application for single storey rear extension & revised front entrance.

It was resolved that no response will be submitted.

• 0865/26/TCA 3 Church Hill Blackawton TQ9 7BQ. T1: Oak – remove, too large, causing excessive shading, too close to power line.

It was resolved that no response will be submitted.

• 0902/26/HHO 26 French Furze Road Blackawton TQ9 7FN. Householder application for rear extension and alterations to existing dwelling.

It was resolved that no response will be submitted.

To note the following application.

• 0917/26/ARC Bow Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 7 (Sustainable Drainage Option) of planning consent 1799/25/HHO.

It was resolved that no response will be submitted.

8. French Furze Development

Cllr Oughton said that there will be another public residents meeting in the Village Hall next Wednesday. It will discuss re-selection of a management company.

Cllr Thomas reported that he and Cllr Rake attended a Business Units site inspection on 13 March. About half of the things on the snagging list had been done. On 23 March a Teams meeting about the creation of a Traffic Management Plan for the Business Units was attended with the developer’s Planning Manager. That meeting also discussed where waste disposal bins will be sited. On 30 March Cllrs Rake and Thomas met with a representative of the developer about the rectification work. A plan was agreed to reconvene in the week after Easter.

9. Greenslades Road Circuit Footpath

The proposal to alter the existing S106 requirement was discussed. It was resolved to support the proposal to replace the existing S106 requirement for scalpings, to suggest that the footpath surface be levelled with a slight slope towards the hedge, and to suggest a drain at the bottom towards the culvert with a pipe of approximately six metres in length straight across.

10. Parish Council Noticeboard in the Main Street Bus Shelter

It was agreed that the noticeboard will be used for primarily for Parish Council notices. No private notices will be posted. Where space permits other official notices will be accommodated. Requests are to be directed to the Clerk. BPC will review in three months. If residents think there is a requirement for more community noticeboard space and want the Parish Council’s assistance they are invited to submit a proposal.

11. Blackawton Community Emergency Hub

BPC will wait for a response from the Village Hall Management Committee before advertising the Emergency Hub.

12. Felling Trees in the Blackawton Churchyard

No action is being taken to place a temporary ‘deadwood habitat’ sign.

There is one remaining dead cherry tree, next to the footpath towards School Lane. It was not recommended for felling in the 2025 tree risk assessment survey. Cllr Hadow will remove one branch which overhangs the footpath. As a low risk tree with some benefit as deadwood habitat no action is taken pending the next planned tree risk assessment survey in winter 26/27.

13. Planting Churchyard Trees

The revised proposal to plant an avenue of five rowans the east side of the footpath and three on the west as is permitted by graves was agreed. The meeting considered planting the remaining two rowan trees elsewhere in the churchyard. No final location was chosen. The Clerk was asked to obtain advice from the nursery providing the rowan trees about whether it is too late in the year to plant the rowan trees now and BPC will proceed based on that advice. The planting of the planned crabapple tree was deferred.

14. Churchyard Wall Maintenance

It was resolved to approve signature of the proposed contract with the stonemason.

It was resolved to carry out additional works on Park Lane (to a bulge area) and on Main Street (to helibar brace across a crack) as quoted by the stonemason doing the planned works (£2,550).

15. BPC Policies and Procedures

It was resolved to approve the draft BPC Equality and Diversity Policy.

16. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The Reports at 31 March 2026 showed total funds of £58,789.25 and an unearmarked general fund of £16,259.16. The Bank Reconciliation at 31 March 2026 reconciles and was signed.

1. 2. Payments & Receipts

It was resolved to authorise the following payments

• Clerk March Expenses Reimbursement £18.55

• Devon Communities Together Membership Annual Fee £50.00

• Scribe Accounting & Cemetery Software £535.68

• Felling Churchyard Trees £1,740.00

• Devon Association of Local Councils Annual Fee £379.57

• Website Updates £22.00

The payments made since the last monthly meeting were noted as follows:

• Churchyard tree pre-felling bat survey £283.00

• ICO annual fee (direct debit) £47.00

17. Correspondence

The following was noted:

• Devon County Council responsible to distribute Government funding for low-income households Oil Heating through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF).

18. Annual Parish Community Meeting

It was agreed that the guest speakers for the meeting on Wednesday 13 May 2026 will be the Primary School and South Dartmoor Community Energy.

19. Next Meeting

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 11 May at 7:30 p.m. Cllr Oughton gave his apologies for that meeting.

20. 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 nature of the business.

21. Contracted Work

    1. Parish Lengthsman

It was resolved to accept the application from the current lengthsman to continue with a £1/hour increase in the hourly rate in 26/27.

1. 2. Cutting back Vegetation growing on St Michael’s Churchyard’s Walls and Gate Pillars

It was resolved to accept the quotation from a provider based in Blackawton if they meet the criteria for the role, and the lowest cost quote if they don’t.

22. Cemetery Treeworks

It was resolved accept the lowest cost quote for the removal of fallen Monterey Cypress branches and removal in the autumn of the tree growing on a grave, and that the Clerk will confirm management arisings as per the work description.

23. BPC Insurance 2026-2029

It was resolved to enter into a new long term three year agreement with the current insurer at a cost of £671.63 in 26/27.

The meeting closed at 20:55.

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