PRIVACY NOTICE

For staff*, councillors and Role Holders**

*“Staff” means employees, workers, agency staff and those retained on a temporary or permanent basis

**Includes, volunteers, contractors, agents, and other role holders within the council including former staff*and former councillors. This also includes applicants or candidates for any of these roles.

Your personal data – what is it?

“Personal data” is any information about a living individual which allows them to be identified from that data (for example a name, photograph, video, email address, or address). Identification can be directly using the data itself or by combining it with other information which helps to identify a living individual (e.g. a list of staff may contain personnel ID numbers rather than names but if you use a separate list of the ID numbers which give the corresponding names to identify the staff in the first list then the first list will also be treated as personal data). The processing of personal data is governed by legislation relating to personal data which applies in the United Kingdom including the General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”) and other legislation relating to personal data and rights such as the Human Rights Act.

Who are we?

This Privacy Notice is provided to you by the Blackawton Parish Council. Blackawton Parish Council and its Councillors are the data controllers for your data.

The council may work together with:

• Other data controllers, such as local authorities, public authorities, central government and agencies such as HMRC and DVLA

• Staff pension providers

• Former and prospective employers

• DBS services suppliers

• Payroll services providers

We may need to share personal data we hold with them so that they can carry out their responsibilities to the council and our community. The organisations referred to above will sometimes be “joint data controllers”. This means we are all responsible to you for how we process your data where for example two or more data controllers are working together for a joint purpose. If there is no joint purpose or collaboration then the data controllers will be independent and will be individually responsible to you.

Volunteers, contractors, and agents

When working with us we will collect personal data required to deliver the service or project. You will in most cases use your own phone and email address. The personal data you provide, including your full name, phone number, and email address, will be shared as required to deliver the service or project.

Councillors

When you sign your acceptance of office and take your seat on Blackawton Parish Council the personal information you provide such as your name, address, email address, and phone number will be processed and stored for administrative purposes. You are required to complete a register of interests which is made public on the South Hams District Council’s website and is available for inspection, this publication excludes your home address. Blackawton Parish Council will provide you with a dedicated email address for conducting Council business. It is Blackawton Parish Council practice to publish in the Blackawton Beacon community newsletter and on the Blackawton community website Councillors full name, council email address and your contact phone number to support it to deliver its service to the Blackawton community. You may also choose to add a photo and a short biography to the website.

Your name, phone number, and dedicated email address will be shared with other parties in the course of your work as a Parish Councillor, for example with the District and County Council or with contractors employed by the Blackawton Parish Council.

The council will comply with data protection law. This says that the personal data we hold about you must be:

• Used lawfully, fairly and in a transparent way.

• Collected only for valid purposes that we have clearly explained to you and not used in any way that is incompatible with those purposes.

• Relevant to the purposes we have told you about and limited only to those purposes.

• Accurate and kept up to date.

• Kept only as long as necessary for the purposes we have told you about.

• Kept and destroyed securely including ensuring that appropriate technical and security measures are in place to protect your personal data to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access and disclosure.

What data do we process?

• Names, titles, and aliases, photographs.

• Start date / leaving date

• Contact details such as telephone numbers, addresses, and email addresses.

• Where they are relevant to our legal obligations, or where you provide them to us, we may process information such as gender, age, date of birth, marital status, nationality, education/work history, academic/professional qualifications, employment details, hobbies, family composition, and dependants.

• Non-financial identifiers such as passport numbers, driving licence numbers, vehicle registration numbers, taxpayer identification numbers, staff identification numbers, tax reference codes, and national insurance numbers.

• Financial identifiers such as bank account numbers, payment card numbers, payment/transaction identifiers, policy numbers, and claim numbers.

• Financial information such as National Insurance number, pay and pay records, tax code, tax and benefits contributions, expenses claimed.

• Other operational personal data created, obtained, or otherwise processed in the course of carrying out our activities, including but not limited to, recordings of telephone messages, IP addresses and website visit histories, logs of visitors, and logs of accidents, injuries and insurance claims.

• Recruitment information (including copies of right to work documentation, references and other information included in a CV or cover letter or as part of the application process and referral source (e.g. agency, staff referral))

• Location of employment or workplace.

• Other staff data (not covered above) including; level, performance management information, languages and proficiency; licences/certificates, immigration status; employment status; information for disciplinary and grievance proceedings; and personal biographies.

• Information about your use of our information and communications systems.

We use your personal data for some or all of the following purposes:

We collect personal data required to allow us to perform our contract with you, deliver a service, or to enable us to comply with legal obligations. For example:

• To deliver projects and services

• Making a decision about your recruitment or appointment.

• Determining the terms on which you work for us.

• Checking you are legally entitled to work in the UK.

• Paying you and, if you are an employee, deducting tax and National Insurance contributions.

• Providing any contractual benefits to you

• Liaising with your pension provider.

• Administering the contract we have entered into with you.

• Management and planning, including accounting and auditing.

• Conducting performance reviews, managing performance and determining performance requirements.

• Making decisions about salary reviews and compensation.

• Assessing qualifications for a particular job or task, including decisions about promotions.

• Conducting grievance or disciplinary proceedings.

• Making decisions about your continued employment or engagement.

• Making arrangements for the termination of our working relationship.

• Education, training and development requirements.

• Dealing with legal disputes involving you, including accidents at work.

• Ascertaining your fitness to work.

• Managing sickness absence.

• Complying with health and safety obligations.

• To prevent fraud.

• To ensure network and information security, including preventing unauthorised access to our computer and electronic communications systems and preventing malicious software distribution.

• Equal opportunities monitoring.

• To undertake activity consistent with our statutory functions and powers including any delegated functions.

• To maintain our own accounts and records;

• To seek your views or comments;

• To process a job application;

• To administer councillors’ interests

• To provide a reference.

Some of the above grounds for processing will overlap and there may be several grounds which justify our use of your personal data.

We will only use your personal data when the law allows us to. Most commonly, we will use your personal data in the following circumstances:

• Where we need to perform the contract we have entered into with you.

• Where we need to comply with a legal obligation.

We may also use your personal data in the following situations, which are likely to be rare:

• Where we need to protect your interests (or someone else’s interests).

• Where it is needed in the public interest [or for official purposes].

How we use sensitive personal data  

• We may process sensitive personal data relating to staff, councillors and role holders including, as appropriate:

  • information about your physical or mental health or condition in order to monitor sick leave and take decisions on your fitness for work;

  • your racial or ethnic origin or religious or similar information in order to monitor compliance with equal opportunities legislation;

  • in order to comply with legal requirements and obligations to third parties.

• These types of data are described in the GDPR as “Special categories of data” and require higher levels of protection. We need to have further justification for collecting, storing and using this type of personal data.

• We may process special categories of personal data in the following circumstances:

  • In limited circumstances, with your explicit written consent.

  • Where we need to carry out our legal obligations.

  • Where it is needed in the public interest, such as for equal opportunities monitoring or in relation to our pension scheme.

  • Where it is needed to assess your working capacity on health grounds, subject to appropriate confidentiality safeguards.

• Less commonly, we may process this type of personal data where it is needed in relation to legal claims or where it is needed to protect your interests (or someone else’s interests) and you are not capable of giving your consent, or where you have already made the information public.

Do we need your consent to process your sensitive personal data?

• We do not need your consent if we use your sensitive personal data in accordance with our rights and obligations in the field of employment and social security law.

• In limited circumstances, we may approach you for your written consent to allow us to process certain sensitive personal data. If we do so, we will provide you with full details of the personal data that we would like and the reason we need it, so that you can carefully consider whether you wish to consent.

• You should be aware that it is not a condition of your contract with us that you agree to any request for consent from us.

Information about criminal convictions  

• We may only use personal data relating to criminal convictions where the law allows us to do so. This will usually be where such processing is necessary to carry out our obligations and provided we do so in line with our data protection policy.

• Less commonly, we may use personal data relating to criminal convictions where it is necessary in relation to legal claims, where it is necessary to protect your interests (or someone else’s interests) and you are not capable of giving your consent, or where you have already made the information public.

• Where appropriate, we will collect personal data about criminal convictions as part of the recruitment process or we may be notified of such personal data directly by you in the course of you working for us.

What is the legal basis for processing your personal data?

Some of our processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation.

We may also process data if it is necessary to deliver a project or service, for the performance of a contract with you, or to take steps to enter into a contract.

We will also process your data in order to assist you in fulfilling your role in the council including administrative support or if processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation.

Sharing your personal data

Your personal data will only be shared with third parties including other data controllers where it is necessary for the performance of the data controllers’ tasks or where you first give us your prior consent. It is likely that we will need to share your data with:

• Our agents, suppliers and contractors. For example, we may ask a commercial provider to manage our HR/ payroll functions, or to maintain our database software;

• Other persons or organisations operating within local community.

• Other data controllers, such as local authorities, public authorities, central government and agencies such as HMRC and DVLA

• Staff pension providers

• Former and prospective employers

• DBS services suppliers

• Payroll services providers

• Recruitment Agencies

• Credit reference agencies

• Professional advisors

• Trade unions or employee representatives

How long do we keep your personal data?

We will keep some records permanently if we are legally required to do so. We may keep some other records for an extended period of time. For example, it is currently best practice to keep financial records for a minimum period of 8 years to support HMRC audits or provide tax information. We may have legal obligations to retain some data in connection with our statutory obligations as a public authority. The council is permitted to retain data in order to defend or pursue claims. In some cases the law imposes a time limit for such claims (for example 3 years for personal injury claims or 6 years for contract claims). We will retain some personal data for this purpose as long as we believe it is necessary to be able to defend or pursue a claim. In general, we will endeavour to keep data only for as long as we need it. This means that we will delete it when it is no longer needed.

Your responsibilities

It is important that the personal data we hold about you is accurate and current. Please keep us informed if your personal data changes during your working relationship with us.

Your rights in connection with personal data

You have the following rights with respect to your personal data: –

When exercising any of the rights listed below, in order to process your request, we may need to verify your identity for your security. In such cases we will need you to respond with proof of your identity before you can exercise these rights.

1. 1. The right to access personal data we hold on you

• At any point you can contact us to request the personal data we hold on you as well as why we have that personal data, who has access to the personal data and where we obtained the personal data from. Once we have received your request we will respond within one month.

• There are no fees or charges for the first request but additional requests for the same personal data or requests which are manifestly unfounded or excessive may be subject to an administrative fee.

1. 1. The right to correct and update the personal data we hold on you

• If the data we hold on you is out of date, incomplete or incorrect, you can inform us and your data will be updated.

1. 1. The right to have your personal data erased

• If you feel that we should no longer be using your personal data or that we are unlawfully using your personal data, you can request that we erase the personal data we hold.

• When we receive your request we will confirm whether the personal data has been deleted or the reason why it cannot be deleted (for example because we need it for to comply with a legal obligation).

1. 1. The right to object to processing of your personal data or to restrict it to certain purposes only

• You have the right to request that we stop processing your personal data or ask us to restrict processing. Upon receiving the request we will contact you and let you know if we are able to comply or if we have a legal obligation to continue to process your data.

1. 1. The right to data portability

• You have the right to request that we transfer some of your data to another controller. We will comply with your request, where it is feasible to do so, within one month of receiving your request.

1. 1. The right to withdraw your consent to the processing at any time for any processing of data to which consent was obtained

• You can withdraw your consent easily by telephone, email, or by post (see Contact Details below).

1. 1. The right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

• You can contact the Information Commissioners Office on 0303 123 1113 or via email https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/email/ or at the Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

Transfer of Data Abroad

Any personal data transferred to countries or territories outside the European Economic Area (“EEA”) will only be placed on systems complying with measures giving equivalent protection of personal rights either through international agreements or contracts approved by the European Union.

Further processing

If we wish to use your personal data for a new purpose, not covered by this Privacy Notice, then we will provide you with a new notice explaining this new use prior to commencing the processing and setting out the relevant purposes and processing conditions. Where and whenever necessary, we will seek your prior consent to the new processing, if we start to use your personal data for a purpose not mentioned in this notice.

Changes to this notice

We keep this Privacy Notice under regular review and we will place any updates on this web page www.blackawtoncommunity.com.

Contact Details

Please contact us if you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or the personal data we hold about you or to exercise all relevant rights, queries or complaints at:

Parish Clerk, Blackawton Parish Council

Email: parishclerk@blackawtoncommunity.com or 07979 391442

You can contact the Information Commissioners Office on 0303 123 1113 or via email https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/email/ or at the Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

Version History

Approved June 2018

Reviewed: July 2026

The post Role Holder’s Privacy Notice appeared first on Blackawton.

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

a. Open Forum

(i) Use of the Blackawton Cemetery Shed

The possible use of the shed to store some Wormcharming Festival equipment was discussed.

This may be feasible. A proposal can be considered by BPC in its next meeting, on 14 September 2026.

(ii) Blackawton Play-park

A member of the Playing Fields Committee discussed the current project for replacement and renewal of the playground equipment. There are two available S.106 fund pots, of £1,000 and of £20,000. The latter is allocated to use for the tennis court or a skate park, and there would be legal costs to reallocate those funds. The legal costs would come out of the S.106 funds. Cllr Rake will discuss the options with staff at SHDC.

b. Councillors Forum

(i) Proposal for Alteration of the Schedule to cut back vegetation growing on the Blackawton Churchyard Walls

A reduction from two annual cuts to one cut was proposed for possible habitat benefit. This will be an Agenda item on 14 September 2026.

(ii) Ragwort growing inside and outside Blackawton Churchyard
Ragwort has been identified. The meeting was asked whether it is notifiable.

(iii) Annual Community Cut in the Blackawton Churchyard

Sustainable Blackawton members who are interested in being involved have requested this year’s dates.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence received from DCC Cllr Brazil were noted.

2. Declarations of Interest

None declared.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the Meeting held 8 June 2026.

4. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

SHDC Cllr Rake reported that the Government’s decision about the Local Government Reorganisation option it has chosen for Devon is expected on Thursday 16 July, with a briefing for Cllrs on Wednesday 15 July 2026. Allocation of assets and liabilities and splitting adult social services and children’s services will be complicated, particularly if as rumoured, the expanded Plymouth and Exeter option is chosen. That option’s expanded Torbay wasn’t consulted on.
Cllr Rake recommended attendance at SHDC’s Town & Parish Council Briefing on 24/9/26 about the new Planning decision-making process being imposed on SHDC.

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

Deferred in the absence of DCC Cllr Brazil.

6. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s New Applications

The following were noted for information. BPC is not a statutory consultee.

• 1703/26/ARC Development At Sx 8052 5109 Town Farm School Lane Blackawton. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 20 (Traffic Management Plan) of planning consent 3878/18/VAR.

• 1611/26/COM On the way to Cornish Post Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AW. Notice of intent to install electronic communication apparatus comprising 21 wooden poles at 9mtrs high (Ref: WH3MKF0B).

The following premises licence application was noted. Comments have closed. No extraordinary meeting was considered necessary to comment:

• Variation application to a premises licence (SHPL0458) from Steven Hanson, Woodlands Leisure Park, Blackawton, Totnes, TQ9 7DQ.

7. French Furze Development

Cllr Oughton reported that the planned public residents meeting happened on 17/6/26 and that the meeting was told that the developer has missed the target date for submission of the Section 73 Application to SHDC. The target date was 18/5/26 and is now 3/8/26. He reported that the meeting was told by the developer that the snagging items for the business units are complete. However Cllrs Rake and Thomas are the Business Units CIC Directors and said that they have carried out a recent site visit and no further progress has been made with that work. Cllr Ougton also reported that the French Furze public meeting was told that the Business Units CIC Directors withdrew from a handover meeting scheduled for 17/6/26. However the Directors (Cllrs Rake and Thomas) said that they were only invited to that meeting with a day’s notice, and were not able to be available due to the short notice. It was agreed to write to the developer about what appear to be misrepresentations.

Cllr Rake reported that because there are no major snags left to complete in the Business Units, if the expected £20,000 grant is received from SHDC it is proposed to accept handover of the Business Units as is, in order to be able to progress and have the Business Units used.

8. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

Cllr Coe discussed the Steering Group’s Report to the Parish Council on the project. There are ten landowners related to the sites shortlisted for more detailed assessment. Eight of those were known to the Steering Group (SG) and initial contact has been made by the SG with them. Seven of those landowners expressed interest. Those seven and the two landowners not known to members of the SG will be sent a landowners pack for their consideration. The SG has requested from the Study provider a list of project documents, confirmation of access protocols, and further detail about what is involved in some elements of Work Package 1. A Community information meeting might take place in September 2026. The SG is also discussing an offer of community engagement help from Energy Learning Network (three days assistance over the next six months).

9. Stonemason Works to the Blackawton Churchyard Walls

The meeting noted that the works commence on Monday 27 July, with Park Lane followed by Main Street, and will take a total of approximately four weeks. Cllrs will discuss the works with residents opposite the Main Street site, where the road will be narrowed.

10. Bus Shelter at Woodlands

It was noted that two panes of glass have been broken in the northbound bus shelter and their replacement is being investigated. The Clerk has asked the provider of the bus shelter for a price to replace the glass and to reinstall the external sign on the southbound shelter. As no reply has been received and their provisional timelines were long, the Clerk will contact local glaziers instead.

11. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The meeting received the Reports, which show total funds of £75,473.65 and an unearmarked general fund of £25,344.00 at 30 June, and the Bank Reconciliation was signed.

1. 2. Payments

It was resolved to authorise the following payments:

• Clerk June Expenses Reimbursement £72.58

• Devon Association of Local Councils Bespoke Council Training £321.12

• Devon Association of Local Councils AI for Councils Training £42.00

• Grounds Maintenance Frequent cuts 10 and 23 June 2026:
  Churchyard £210.00 & Cemetery £228.00

The following payments authorised since the last monthly meeting were noted:

• Bus Shelter Cleans March 2026 £252.00

• Website annual hosting £115.00

1. 1. Grant Requested from BPC

• It was resolved to approve the request from the Ivybridge & District Community Transport Association (West Dart Bus) for the budgeted grant of £300.

1. 1. Receipts

• The receipt of a grant of £2,000 from South Hams District Council towards the restoration of the gates of St Michael’s Churchyard was noted.

12. Review of Data Protection Compliance

The ongoing data audit was noted. The Action Items in the Clerk’s Report were addressed by the meeting.

It was agreed that in BPC’s situation it is not necessary to appoint a Data Information Officer to respond to requests in the Clerk’s absence. Cllrs and Steering Group Committee members will be given checklists to complete and return. It was noted by one Cllr that with the use of cloud folders to provide documents, they no longer need to download documents to their own devices. The meeting agreed to start with automated deletion of Cllr old emails two years or older, and that the Clerk would find out if this could be done centrally. The Clerk is obtaining further advice on the specific data protection legal basis for some of the Parish Council’s activities. It was resolved to approve the reviewed/new: Privacy Policy, Public Privacy Notice, and Role Holder Privacy Notice. It was noted that management of data protection is always an ongoing project.

13. Correspondence

The following were noted or considered:

• SHDC Joint Local Plan: Notice of scoping consultation to gather views from 16/7/26-14/9/26 & forthcoming consultation.
  Cllr Rake noted that a draft Plan will start to have weight in planning decisions and will aid the new authority (which will be formed as a result of the current Local Government Reorganisation). SHDC can’t meet the Governments new housing supply requirements and this is the best method of protection.

• Invitation South Devon National Landscape Partnership meeting, 17/7/26 10am Hybrid.

• Invitation SHDC Town & Parish Council Briefing: Planning Decision-Making Process 24/9/26 5:00pm Online.

• Invitation Scribefest 2026 Online Conference for Town, Parish and Community Councils 17/9/26 9:30am-4:00pm.

14. Next Meeting

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 14 September at 7:30 p.m.

15. Closure of the Meeting

It was not necessary to exclude the public and press during consideration of the following item because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business in the next Item.

16. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

No matters discussed.

The meeting closed at 20:58.

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You are hereby summoned to attend the monthly meeting of Blackawton Parish Council to be held on Monday 13 July 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. Declarations of Interest

To receive declarations of Members’ interests in Agenda items

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

To approve Minutes of the Meeting held 8 June 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 New Applications

For information:

• 1703/26/ARC Development At Sx 8052 5109 Town Farm School Lane Blackawton. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 20 (Traffic Management Plan) of planning consent 3878/18/VAR.

• 1611/26/COM On the way to Cornish Post Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AW. Notice of intent to install electronic communication apparatus comprising 21 wooden poles at 9mtrs high (Ref: WH3MKF0B).

To note the following premises licence application. No extraordinary meeting was considered necessary to comment:

• Variation application to a premises licence (SHPL0458) from Steven Hanson, Woodlands Leisure Park, Blackawton, Totnes , TQ9 7DQ

7. French Furze Development

To receive an update.

8. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

To receive the Steering Group’s Report.

9. Stonemason Works to the Blackawton Churchyard Walls

To note that the works commence Monday 25 July, Park Lane followed by Main Street, and will take a total of approximately four weeks.

10. Bus Shelter at Woodlands

To note that two panes of glass in the northbound shelter have been broken and replacement is being investigated. The reinstallation of the external sign on the southbound shelter will be investigated simultaneously.

11. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

To receive Reports and sign Bank Reconciliation.

1. 2. Payments

To authorise the following payments

• Clerk June Expenses Reimbursement £72.58

• Devon Association of Local Councils Bespoke Council Training £321.12

• Devon Association of Local Councils AI for Councils Training £42.00

• Grounds Maintenance Frequent cuts 10 and 23 June 2026:
  Churchyard £210.00 & Cemetery £228.00

Payments authorised since the last monthly meeting

• Bus Shelter Cleans March 2026 £252

• Website annual hosting £115.00

1. 1. Grant Requested from BPC

• To consider the request from the Ivybridge & District Community Transport Association (West Dart Bus) for the budgeted grant of £300.

1. 1. Receipts

• To note the receipt of a grant of £2,000 from South Hams District Council towards the restoration of the gates of St Michael’s Churchyard.

12. Review of Data Protection Compliance

To note the ongoing data audit. To consider the Clerk’s Report and its Action Items.

To consider approval of reviewed/new: Privacy Policy, Public Privacy Notice, and Role Holder Privacy Notice.

13. Correspondence

To note or consider:

• SHDC Joint Local Plan: Notice of scoping consultation to gather views from 16/7/26-14/9/26 & forthcoming consultation.

• Invitation South Devon National Landscape Partnership meeting, 17/7/26 10 am Hybrid.

• Invitation SHDC Town & Parish Council Briefing: Planning Decision-Making Process 24/9/26 5:00 pm Online

• Invitation Scribefest 2026 Online Conference for Town, Parish and Community Councils 17/9/26 9:30 am-4:00 pm

14. Next Meeting

To confirm the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 14 September at 7:30 p.m.

15. 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.

16. 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

The post Agenda 2026 July 13 appeared first on Blackawton.

2026 Review BPC Data Protection Compliance

Financial Reports

BankReconciliationSummary_2026 June 30

Reserves Balance at 2026 June 30

The post Meeting Supporting Documents 2026 July 13 appeared first on Blackawton.

Community Emergency Hubs are community-run spaces where local people can come together to support one another and take swift, safe and effective action in the early stages of an emergency, before emergency services are able to arrive.

During an emergency, services will always prioritise the most urgent calls, which means they may not be able to reach everyone immediately. A Community Emergency Hub helps our village respond together and provide support where it is most needed.

A Community Emergency Hub kit is kept in the cupboard above the kitchen sink in the Village Hall. The kit is a small plastic box containing instructions and resources to help local people set up and run the Hub until emergency services are available.

These Hubs depend on local volunteers – people from the community who are willing to turn up, help others and work together when it matters most.

To find out more about emergency preparedness and how communities can become more resilient, visit:

Devon & Cornwall Local Resilience Forum
https://www.dcisprepared.org.uk/

The post Blackawton Community Emergency Hub appeared first on Blackawton.

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 at 20260716

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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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