Monday 9 March 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Blackawton Village Hall

Present: BPC & SHDC Cllr Rake (Chair), BPC Cllrs Oughton (Vice-Chair), Coe, 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: BPC Cllr Mardon.

a. Open Forum

i. Inadequate Capacity of Blackawton Sewage Works

A resident said that there are five lorries a day to empty the sewage works and that the road is trashed. They asked what would happen if the lorries can’t get in, eg another ‘beast from the east’ weather event. They said that when they moved here 30 years ago they had to have their own sewage tank because there was insufficient processing capacity. Since then lots of residences have been added and there might be more.

Cllr Rake said that Blackawton sewage spills more often any other in the South Hams which is unacceptable. However he questioned what can be done because South West Water is answerable to Ofwat and the Environment Agency, not to DCC and SHDC. Cllr Rake also said that because of changes made by the Government last year to the National Planning Policy Framework SHDC now doesn’t have a 5 year housing supply, which makes it much harder turn down development applications.

The meeting asked the Clerk to write to:

• Ofwat, Environment Agency, and SWW regarding current concerns and how future housing development would be served (cc Blue Rivers).

• DCC and SWW to ask what will happen when resurfacing is done on Greenslades Road in May and the road closed.

ii. Blackawton Allotments Association Grant Application

A member of the Association described its current grant application to BPC, and also works the Association would like to do in the near future.

b. Councillors Forum

Cllr Coe reported that BPC’s application for a grant to carry out a Wind Turbine Feasibility Study was successful.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from BPC Cllr Mardon and DCC Cllr Brazil.

2. Declarations of Interest

None declared.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

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

4. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

SHDC Cllr Rake reported that SHDC has passed a balanced budget. SHDC received a dire financial settlement from the Government. Its finances are just about alright this year [26/27] with transitional arrangements, but over the next two years the deficit will go up and up, which it can’t. This year SHDC has protected core services and the delivery of the Council Plan, and increased new money for economic development. £850,000 is expected from the double council tax on second homes. That money will be used for housing initiatives and temporary housing for homelessness, as promised. There will be in-year pressures on the budget. For example, on Slapton Line SHDC teams have worked with the County Council and the local community.

Cllr Rake has shared a proposed response to the Government’s Local Government Reform consultation. Cllrs are welcome to share it.

SHDC has completed an eviction from informal accommodation at the top of the hill above Totnes. This was necessary because some of the people living there were causing problems.

In response to a question about changes to business rates, Cllr Rake noted that SHDC has a register of businesses which are holiday let homes. They are all required to have and pay for commercial waste collection.

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

In Cllr Brazil’s absence, Cllr Rake reported that DCC has passed balanced budget. There are increases in spending on Children’s Services and a capital investment programme; including roads maintenance (applies to works on areas greater than a square meter), drainage, white lines, and clearing vegetation.

The proposed £650,000 reduction in the libraries budget has been reversed. The funds are part ring-fenced to buy books and the rest for libraries during the transformation project. A £1 million reserve has been created to help fund libraries transformation. There may be reductions in opening hours in some libraries in some places, but it is hoped that the transformation project will avoid that.

6. Improving Road Safety at Forces Cross

There are currently no s106 funds available to fund works to improve the visibility splay. If there was more housing in Blackawton it is expected s106 funds would be allocated for that work. BPC will explore asking the Blackawton Parish Lengthsman to cut the grass to help to maintain visibility, that contract is currently being re-advertised. It was agreed that BPC will keep a log of collisions at Forces Cross and any other problem black spot areas in the Parish that BPC might currently not be aware of, including retrospective data.

7. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

• 3266/25/HHO The Anchorage Main Street Blackawton TQ9 7BG. Householder application for extension of existing dwelling & associated works. Conditional Approval.

• 0211/26/AGR Wild Bank Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AA. Application to determine if prior approval is required for five polytunnels. Four measuring 20.12m (L) x 6.1m (B) x 2.84m height to ridge and one measuring 14m (L) x 7.1m (B) x 2.9m height to ridge. Refused.

1. 2. Review of New Applications

The meeting noted the following applications and agreed that BPC does not need to comment to SHDC on them:

• 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.

• 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.

• New premises licence application Bayards Court Care Dartmouth TQ6 0FF. Supply of Alcohol On premises Monday to Sunday 12:00-22:00 & Opening Hours Monday to Sunday 06:00-23:00.

• 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.

8. Devon County Council Decision

The following decision was noted:

• Public Path Diversion Order 2026 – Footpath No.4, Blackawton. Order made.

9. Consultations

• Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government public consultation on the proposals relating to the Government’s programme of local government reorganisation in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. Closes Thursday 26th March.

It was resolved to submit Cllr Rake’s draft response as circulated. Cllr Rake summarised that the response favours a version of SHDC’s 4-5-1 proposal, raises issues with one Devon, and is against the proposals from Torbay, Plymouth and Exeter Councils. The Clerk will add the draft response to the consultation post on the Blackawton community website.

10. French Furze Development

Cllr Oughton reported on the public meeting held on 24 February. The developer returned. There was no progress to report and they don’t want to remove the stairs. The SHDC Officer said that would not be a desirable outcome. The developer said that it would look into problems with documented property boundaries. The soakaway pit in the Business Units’ car park needs inspecting. Cllr Rake and Thomas have been told that the Business Units’ snagging is complete and they are re-inspecting the Units next week.

11. Creation of a Blackawton Community Emergency Hub

The meeting decided to adopt this initiative and that BPC’s choice of meeting location is the Village Hall. This needs to be discussed with the Village Hall Committee and advertised. The Hub kit is small box with a simple set of instructions which provide a structure to run a response hub pending the arrival of emergency services.

12. Felling of Trees in the Blackawton Churchyard

The planned felling of the six mature dead/declining cherry trees, the large conifer near the lychgate, and another dead cherry tree is planned for Monday 23 March. It was resolved that a deadwood habitat site will be located in the churchyard next to School Lane as proposed by Cllrs. Brash will be chipped and removed from site as per the agreed works description. Cllr Coe said chips can be placed on the community compost site. There are local craftspeople who will use the cherry wood. The Clerk was delegated responsibility in consultation with Cllr Hadow to finalised the practical organisation details.

13. Churchyard Wall Maintenance

The Clerk said that grants haven’t been located and are unlikely. It was agreed to try to schedule the works in school holidays, initially the week commencing Monday 13 April, then next available school holiday dates.

14. Cemetery Tree Maintenance

It was noted that quotes are being obtained for works to remove the Monterey Cypress’ broken limbs. The Clerk’s recommendations were accepted to remove in the autumn the conifer which is growing on a grave, to also obtain quotes for that, and to try to discuss the felling with relatives of those interred in that grave. It was resolved that the Clerk is delegated responsibility to choose the treeworks contractor in consultation with BPC.

15. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The meeting noted the Bank Reconciliation and the Reports, which showed total funds of £62,399.15 and an unearmarked General Fund of £18,706.03.

1. 2. Payments & Receipts

It was resolved to authorise the following payments:

• Clerk February Expenses Reimbursement £29.41

• Website updates and Accessibility Check £113.00

• Parish Lengthsman 15 November 2025 to 18 February 2026 £408

• Parish Council Noticeboard £1,056.04

16. Requests Grants from BPC

The following requests were considered:

1. 1. Crimestoppers

For a presentation to a Parish meeting & provision of digital, social and print media. £50.00

This request was approved and Crimestoppers will be invited to talk to the Annual Parish Meeting.

1. 2. Blackawton Allotments Association

To replace windows in the communal shed which are in disrepair. £1,200.

The Clerk reported that SHDC has s.106 funds available which the SHDC Officer has said are suitable subject to Cllr Rake’s support (as SHDC member for Blackawton) which he has given. This approach was agreed. It was also resolved that BPC will provide a grant if the s.106 application is not successful.

17. Clerk Hours Allocation

It was resolved to approve the Clerk’s proposal for a core allocation of 15 hours per week from February 2026 to March 2027, as has been budgeted for, subject to monitoring with the Personnel Committee.

18. BPC Policies and Procedures

It was resolved to approve all of the reviewed BPC documents:

1. 1. Information Management System Policy

   2. Publication Scheme

   3. Record Retention and Disposal Schedule

   4. Terms of Reference for Personnel Committee & Subcommittee

2. Contracted Work

It was noted that BPC is currently inviting quotes for the following work. Closing date 31 March 2026:

1. 1. Parish Lengthsman

Clearing drainage grips and channels that carry water off Parish lanes. About 60 hours annually.

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

Cutting back the vegetation twice a year.

20. Transfer of Documents to Devon Archives

The plan to transfer historical Minutes was noted. Cllr Rake offered to deliver them.

21. Public Paths Partnerships Scheme & Annual Forms

Cllr Rake reported on a meeting he has had in his role as a DCC Cllr about problems with the current functioning of the Scheme and the changes that have been made to the forms. It was noted that no decision has been received on the major maintenance bid BPC made last year. The Clerk’s suggestion that they return only the Finance return this year was agreed.

22. Correspondence

The correspondence was noted:

• Invitation South Devon National Landscape Partnership Meeting, 13/03/2026, Hybrid: Repton Room at Follaton House and online via Zoom, 10am – 12:30pm

• Invitation SHDC : ‘The National Planning Policy Framework and its Relationship with Neighbourhood Plans Town and Parish Council Briefing 12/3/26 4:00pm to 5:00pm, online

• Invitation SHDC ‘Policy for the Transfer of Community Assets’ Briefing 19/3/26 5:45pm to 6:45pm, online

• The Department for Transport has announced an increase in Funding for Installing EV Chargers for renters, flat owners, homeowners without driveways and businesses

23. Scheduling of Annual Meetings

• The Annual Parish Meeting was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 13 May. If no topics have already been suggested BPC will invite Crimestoppers, the Primary School, and Community Power Solutions (who will do the Wind Turbine Feasibility Study).

• It was confirmed that the Annual Meeting of the Council will take place at the start of the monthly meeting on 11 May 2026.

24. Next Meeting

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 13 April at 7:30 p.m. Cllr Coe gave her apologies for that meeting.

25. 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 because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.

26. Churchyard Wall Maintenance Project

It was resolved to accept as proposed the lowest cost quote received for the Traffic Management during the works and to also find the next lowest cost quote provided also suitable.

The meeting closed at 21:33.

The post DRAFT Minutes 2026 March 09 appeared first on Blackawton.

Present: Parish and SHDC Cllr Rake (Chair), Parish Cllrs Oughton (Vice-Chair), 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.
Absent: Cllr Mardon.

a. Open Forum

No matters raised.

b. Councillors Forum

No matters raised.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Mardon.

2. Declarations of Interest

None declared.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the Meetings held on 12 January and on 26 January 2026.

4. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

DCC Cllr Brazil reported on the storm damage to the Slapton Line area. Work is being done do sure up so that the Ley won’t be breached across the Torcross car park. The village has been visited by the Environment Agency and assessed as habitable. DCC doesn’t have funds to repair the A379 Road over Slapton Line. The area is a site of Special Scientific Interest so Natural England does not want to place foreign materials there. Caroline Voaden, MP, has a meeting with Ministers on Wednesday with cost estimates.

DCC is carrying out its Budget setting process now. Cllr Brazil was very pleased to report that the Government will make a generous SEND settlement, so DCC is no longer technically bankrupt. The SEND deficit was off balance sheet but it was still affecting cash flow. DCC revenue is under pressure. DCC was notified of of its final central Government settlement today. Any cuts will happen in year 2 and year 3, not in 26/27. In its strategic plan DCC has increased the revenue stream for Children’s Services and for road maintenance, subject to approval in the Budget Meeting on 24 February (the Liberal Democrats are a minority government). 80% of the budget is spent on Adult Social Care and Children’s Services.

DCC is improving fostering support and encouragement for individuals, and information for local business to be a fostering friendly employer. Children are better off in a family than in alternative provision, which may be outside the County. Cllr Brazil said that fostering children is incredibly worthwhile. The two main changes which have been made are that the money paid to foster has been increased and wrap around support is provided.

Cllr Brazil encourages residents to respond to the current consultation about the delivery of the Library service. Libraries Unlimited, who run service, are running at a loss. Its main cost is staff. There are archaic laws relating to the provision of a universal library service across the area with designated open hours and a need to have a librarian there. Libraries Unlimited is aware of other models where libraries are kept open by, for example, groups running a class and the library is also open. Services will be reduced if changes aren’t made to make the methods of service delivery sustainable. This particular consultation is about opening hours at different libraries.

The meeting discussed improving safety at the Forces Cross road intersection. BPC is aware that there has been another crash. It seems that not all incidents are on the official record. Cllrs Rake will liaise with Cllr Brazil.

Cllr Brazil gave his apologies for the next monthly BPC meeting on 9 March.

5. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

Cllr Rake reported that SHDC also received its final budget settlement from the Government today. It was not a good settlement for SHDC. 26/27 is OK. In the subsequent next two years SHDC loses £145,000 and then £356,000 off the settlement. There is already a decrease because the Government made an error in the Business Rates calculation.

Recent changes in the National Planning Policy Framework mean that if Council’s can’t demonstrate a five year housing supply it tilts the balance [of the planing application process] in favour of building houses. A January meeting of the Development Management Committee found that a proposed building in Modbury couldn’t be rejected because it was outside Neighbourhood Plan’s parameters.

After the full council meeting on Thursday SHDC will have new Arts and Culture and Community Engagement policies.

6. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

• 2889/25/HHO Brocks Down 13 Dartmouth Green Blackawton TQ9 7FE. Householder application for replacement of existing single storey garden room with oak framed garden room. Conditional Approval.

• 3452/25/VAR Hingston Farm Lane To Hingston Farm East Allington TQ9 7QA. Application for variation of condition 2 (Approved Plans) of planning consent 1299/25/FUL (Proposed demolition of barns & replacement with residential dwelling in lieu of Class Q consent 2639/24/PDM). Conditional Approval.

• 2883/25/FUL Land Adjacent 25 French Furze Road, Blackawton. Replacement of existing garage & containers with commercial store & office. Conditional Approval.

• 0163/26/TEX Wadstray House Blackawton TQ9 7DE. T1: Beech – storm damaged, hung tree within adjacent sycamore over driveway, risk to tenants and property. No Objection Raised.

1. 1. Review of New Applications

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

No comment (by resolution, Cllr Rake abstained).

The following applications were noted. No response is being made by BPC.

• 0192/26/CLE The Linhay Higher Wood Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AB. Certificate of lawfulness for non compliance with occupancy condition.
  The decision will be made by SHDC based on evidence and the application of specific legal criteria.

• 0211/26/AGR Wild Bank Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AA. Application to determine if prior approval is required for five polytunnels. Four measuring 20.12m (L) x 6.1m (B) x 2.84m height to ridge and one measuring 14m (L) x 7.1m (B) x 2.9m height to ridge.

7. Consultations

• DCC, Proposed changes to Devon Library Service. Closes 22/2/26.
  Cllr Rake encouraged participation. He also commented that he is querying with the DCC Officer the method for banding for Dartmouth. He said that it is necessary to review how the service is delivered rather than make sequential slices.

• Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, Feedback from residents about what the risks are within the local community: Closes 12:00 on 9/4/26.

• Local government reorganisation in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
  It was noted that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s public consultation on the proposals received has just gone live. Closes Thursday 26th March. Consultation website: devonlgr.co.uk
  The Clerk will ask for a block notice in the Beacon to advertise the consultation. Cllr Rake will draft a BPC response to be considered by the 9 March monthly meeting of BPC.

8. French Furze Development

There will be a second public residents’ meeting in two weeks: Tuesday 24th Feb at 19:00 in the Village Hall.

9. Improving Safety at Forces Cross

The item to note that there has been another crash and to revisit what action can be taken by BPC was addressed above.

10. Churchyard Wall Maintenance

The project to carry out the maintenance to areas of wall on Park Lane and on Main Street, as recommended by a specialist structural engineer, was discussed. A road closure is needed for the Park Lane works. The Main Street works can be carried out with the road open and a ‘give and take’ traffic management system. The work can be done in two separate stages. If road closures are requested of DCC without a three month notice period the cost is much higher. The ‘give and take’ traffic management system Licence only needs 21 days notice. The engineer’s advice is that the works be carried out as soon as practical as funds permit. A List B approval for the work is required from the Church. The Clerk will submit a request once BPC has chosen a stonemason (an item later on the Agenda for this Meeting). The Clerk will look into options for grant funding and hopes to schedule to fell the conifer in the southeast corner before the end of March (felling required before the work to maintain the wall can be done). This project will be an Agenda item for the 9 March Meeting of BPC.

11. Felling of Trees in the Blackawton Churchyard

The List B request to the Church was decided on 4 February: conditional approval was granted. The approval allows the requested felling of the dead/declining avenue of cherry trees, the large conifer in the southeast corner, and a dead cherry tree located on the path to School Lane (but not the two younger cherry trees in the avenue).

Cllrs Hadow and Coe will look for a location where some wood can be left on-site to provide deadwood habitat.

12. BPC’s Policy for Notifications to SHDC about Possible Breaches of Planning Legislation

It was resolved to adopt the proposal that BPC Policy be that it will signpost Parishioners to report their concerns about potential breaches of planning legislation directly to SHDC.

13. Aluminium Can Recycling Point in the Village

It was noted that residents have bought a can crusher and created a recycling point at the car park between the shop and the pub. This will be promoted. Parishioners were asked to please use it.

14. Greenslades Circuit Footpath

Cllr Rake reported that a SHDC s106 Officer has visited with a Landscape Officer. They don’t think the footpath has been finished to an acceptable standard and will see if there are any improvements which can be made.

15. Installation of a Public EV Charging Point Within the Village

A decision regarding whether the Blackawton Parish Council wants to be involved in/carry out a project to reinvestigate installation of a public EV charging point within the Village was deferred pending notification of whether the Wind Turbine Feasibility grant application has been successful.

16. Nominations for the ticket draw to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

BPC decided not to make a nomination for this draw.

17. BPC’s Gritter and Blackawton Snow Warden

Cllr Rake described the Ashprington Parish Council Chair’s idea for a tractor towed grit spreader route through Cornworthy, Dittisham, Blackawton, and Harberton. Representatives of the Parishes have discussed the idea, and thought it was broadly a good idea but there are issues to address. Cllr Rake will ask DCC if this could be done using the Snow Warden Scheme. Blackawton would still want a local Snow Warden to coordinate locally, for example the refilling of grit. The meeting agreed that BPC’s gritter will be stored where it is for now. The Clerk reported that DCC has said that the Snow Warden scheme doesn’t have a formal agreement regarding activities carried out by volunteers.  BPC’s proposed basic role is acceptable. DCC does expect that the short online Snow Warden Scheme training is done.

18. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The Report and Bank Reconciliation were received, and showed total funds of £63,874.25 and unearmarked general fund of £20,181.13.

1. 2. Payments & Receipts

It was resolved to authorise the following payments:

• Clerk January Expenses Reimbursement £30.39

• January cut of the internal face of the Cemetery hedge £120.00

• Autumn clean of bus shelters £210.00

1. 3. 25/26 Internal Audit

It was resolved to appoint the same internal auditor as for the 24/25 internal audit.

19. Correspondence

The following correspondence was noted:

• Thanks from the Beacon editor for the grant from BPC

• Thanks from South Hams Citizens Advice for the grant from BPC

• 2/2/26 To DCC From a resident re. terrible condition of the road outside Newton Farm in the Parish of Blackawton. Follow up of correspondence started January 2025. Road has not been repaired by DCC.

20. Next Meeting

It was confirmed that the next monthly meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 9 March at 7:30 p.m.

21. 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 because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.

22. Churchyard Wall Maintenance

It was resolved that the stonemason which provided the least costly quote was suitable to do the work as recommended. The choice of traffic management provider was deferred pending further information.

The meeting closed at 21:14.

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Present: Parish Cllrs Rake (Chair), Oughton (Vice-Chair), Coe, Hadow, and Thomas were present, as was Clerk A. Thom.
Absent: Parish Cllrs Luckens and Mardon

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Luckens and Mardon.

2. Declarations of Interest

None declared.

3. Request for a Grant from BPC

Cllrs Oughton and Coe declared an interest in this item and abstained from the vote.

It was resolved to approve the request for a grant of £588.14 towards the construction of the Blackawton community compost site.

4. 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 because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.

5. Churchyard Wall Maintenance

The meeting considered the quote information and plans to date for the recommended maintenance of the Churchyard wall and for the associated traffic management. There is uncertainty about the method and cost of traffic management during the works. BPC is working to carry out maintenance of the wall as required and with the aim of preventing more costly and disruptive works if an area of the wall was to subside. BPC is also working on a current project to arrange for maintenance works to the Churchyard gates.

It is theoretically possible to obtain grant funds towards these works and BPC will try to do so. However the grant environment is very competitive. It has been confirmed that the Parish Council would be able to obtain a loan from the Public Works Loan Board for work to the churchyard wall, subject to approval from the Minister for Housing Local Government. BPC would need to do this if the wall were to subside. BPC budgets and precepts as necessary for ongoing maintenance works.

6. Re-open the meeting to members of the public and press

The meeting was reopened.

7. 2026/27 Budget and Precept

   1. Clerk’s Report and proposed 2026/27 Budget

These were received and the proposed budget discussed. The proposed budget uses all of the current nominated Churchyard reserve funds held by BPC. No funds are added to any reserve funds.

1. 2. 2026/27 budget

It was unanimously resolved to approve the proposed budget as circulated.

1. 3. 2026/27 Precept Tax Demand

It was unanimously resolved to approve the proposed Precept demand of £35,973.

This is an increase in the annual Precept of £6,029.94. This equates to a total annual cost of £76.44 and an increase of £12.81 in the annual charge for a Band D equivalent household.

The meeting closed at 20:30.

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Present: Parish Cllrs Oughton (Vice-Chair and meeting Chair), Coe, Hadow, Luckens, and Thomas were present, as were Clerk A Thom, and one member of the public during the Open Forum.
Absent: Cllrs Rake and Mardon.

a. Open Forum

1. Aluminium Can Recycling Point in the Village

A resident suggested the creation of an aluminium can recycling point within the village. It would need to be outside. It would require a can crusher (cost about £10 but a Cllr has one which could be donated) and a metal cage (specifications, cost, and production to be determined). The resident said that the purpose is to make people more aware they can recycle aluminium cans. They suggested it might be possible to engage Year 6 students of the Primary School to create a poster each year. Cans could be sold for scrap metal generating a small income, but this is not the primary purpose of the project. During discussion, a visible location in The George Inn’s car park was suggested as a possible location. It was agreed that a plan is needed. Cllr Coe and the resident will develop a plan for discussion by the next monthly meeting of BPC, on 9 February 2025.

b. Councillors Forum

1. The Clerk will send a Churchyard Grant Applications cloud folder invitation to Cllr Luckens.

2. Cllr Coe will circulate email correspondence about a Westminster Briefing from November 2025 addressing responding to emergencies related to climate change.

3. There will be a community meeting about The George Inn in February 2026.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Rake and Mardon.

2. Declarations of Interest

None declared.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 December 2025.

4. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

Deferred the absence of Cllr Brazil.

5. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

Deferred the absence of Cllr Rake.

6. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The following decision was noted:

• 2958/25/FUL Higher Dreyton Farm Blackawton TQ9 7DG. Extension to existing detached garage to form ancillary accommodation & associated works. Conditional Approval.

1. 2. Review of New Applications

The following application was noted. No response is being made by BPC. The decision will be made by SHDC based on evidence and the application of specific legal criteria.

• 3761/25/PDM Buildings At Sx 829 494 Blackawton. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed change of use of agricultural barns to 5no. dwellinghouses (class C3) & for associated development (Class Q (a+b)).

7. French Furze Development

Cllr Thomas reported that since the site visit in November 2025 an updated snagging list has been confirmed and the developer is working on it. They have three quotes and are hoping to do the work in January 2026. Another site meeting has been provisionally planned for February 2026. The developer has nominated an employee to lead on the remedial works and another who will lead on the transfer of the title to the Business Units. We are newly aware of a soak-away in the Business Units’ car park which needs to be investigated.

There was a public French Furze Residents’ meeting on 10 December 2025. It was attended by both both SHDC and the developer. SHDC said that planning permission is required for the works the developer needs to do. Obtaining planning permission will delay the end date for the works. There will be a follow-on French Furze Residents’ meeting in the Village Hall on Tuesday 24 February 2026. The developer has been invited back to give an update on the timescales they presented at the December 2025 meeting. Relevant members from SHDC will be invited to attend. After those two speakers questions from the public will follow.

8. Repair of the Railing at the Lychgate Entrance to the Church

BPC confirmed the completion of the project to remove, repair, repaint, and reinstall the railing. The Parish Councillors send their thanks to Matt Studd of Copper Tops for volunteering his time to to the work and for the excellent job done.

9. Blackawton Snow Warden Role & Blackawton Parish Council’s Gritter

BPC owns a gritter of the type which is towed behind a vehicle. It was agreed that Cllrs Coe, Luckens, and Thomas will work together to move the gritter into the village and possibly do some repairs and maintenance works on it. Blackawton does not currently have a volunteer Snow Warden. Two residents have recently considered taking on the role but both thought that role described by Devon County Council was too onerous. The Clerk noted that DCC’s guidance says that the role is determined by parish councils. The Clerk will draft a Blackawton Snow Warden role to meet Blackawton’s needs and which might be more acceptable to volunteers, and then invite DCC to review it to see if it also meets DCC’s requirements.

10. Protecting the A379 Road over Slapton Line from the Sea

BPC considered Strete Parish Council’s correspondence suggesting lobbying for plans to protect the road. Cllrs did not choose to be involved in this lobbying approach. The meeting noted that the petition, started by a Strete Parish Councillor, for funding and resources to protect the Slapton Line has 2,022 signatures. It was advertised by BPC on the Blackawton Community website in January 2025. BPC has not been asked by residents to work to protect the Slapton Line. BPC will invite residents’ comments in the next Beacon. The Clerk will respond to Strete Parish Council.

11. South Hams Ramblers’ Offer to Carry out Footpath Maintenance

BPC appreciates the South Hams Ramblers’ offer of free labour on most jobs relating to path upkeep. The Clerk has requested confirmation of their public liability insurance. Cllr Coe has asked for the offer to be advertised in the next Beacon. Cllr Luckens is aware that the new footpath from Greenslades Road to the Playing Fields would be substantially improved if work was done to clear some earth. In this case BPC’s role will be to facilitate communication between the South Hams Ramblers and the land owner.

12. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The bank reconciliation and report against the budget to 31/12/25 were noted. Total funds were £65,021.77 and the unearmarked general fund £21,328.65.

1. 2. Payments & Receipts

It was resolved to authorise the following payment:

• Clerk December Expenses Reimbursement £29.55

1. 3. Grants made by BPC

It was resolved to approve making the budgeted grants of:

• £300 to South Hams Citizens Advice

• £100 to the Blackawton Beacon

1. 4. BPC’s Draft 2025/26 Budget

The Draft Budget and Budget Notes were discussed. Completion of the Budget requires receipt of pending quotes for works to the Churchyard wall. The main factors which will affect the Budget and the Precept demand are those costs, funding and staging of the restoration and maintenance of the Churchyard gates, and the Clerk’s hours. An extraordinary meeting to finalise the 2025/26 Budget and Precept demand was scheduled for Monday 26 January at 8:00 p.m.

13. Correspondence

The following were noted:

• The Cornelius Fund – Can provide grants to to help with rental deposits, first month’s rent and other household needs. It needs Committee members.

• SHDC – South Hams Community Awards. Nominations close Saturday 31/1/26

• SHDC – Invitation Town & Parish Councils Briefing Local Government Reform, Online, 21/1/26 18:30–19:30

• Devon Community Resilience Forum Spring Forum, 26/3/26, 10am-4pm, Teign Valley Community Hall, Christow, EX6 7WA.

14. Next Meeting

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 9 February 2026 at 7:30 p.m.

15. 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 because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.

16. Noticeboard Quotes

It was resolved to purchase a slimline Parish Council noticeboard at a cost of £880.04 exVAT for installation in the Main Street bus shelter. Cllr Luckens will receive and install it.

The meeting closed at 20:36

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a. Open Forum

No matters were raised by Parishioners.

b. Councillors Forum

The Clerk noted matters received after the Agenda was sent: Strete Parish Council’s correspondence about protecting the A379 road over Slapton Line from the sea will need to be addressed by the next meeting of BPC on 13 January 2026. Cllrs can consider the new premises licence application from Dartmouth Angling & Boating Association and the planning application 3471/25/PDM Eastdown Farm Blackawton TQ9 7AW, and decide if an extraordinary meeting is required to comment on them.

Present: Parish & South Hams District Council Cllr Rake (Chair), and Parish Cllrs Oughton (Vice-Chair), Coe, Hadow, Luckens, and Mardon were present, as was Clerk A Thom.
Absent: Cllr Thomas.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from BPC Cllr Thomas and from DCC Cllr Brazil.

2. Declarations of Interest

Cllr Coe declared an interest in planning application 3266/25/HHO The Anchorage Main Street Blackawton TQ9 7BG.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved to approve Minutes of the Meeting held on 10 November 2025.

The provision of the approved Minutes of the Personnel Committee Meeting on 26 March and draft minutes of the Personnel Sub-Committee Meeting on 1 December 2025 was noted.

4. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

SHDC Cllr Rake reported that SHDC has decided to freeze the charges for the resident’s parking permit and the resident’s concessionary permit in the 2026/27 financial year. The residents concessionary permit provides free parking between 3pm and 10am the next day in all SHDC car parks (except South Embankment and Dartmouth Park and Ride). Other car parking fees will be increased by inflation.

Cllr Rake was asked whether the current free parking after 6pm in Totnes car parks will continue, and he will find out.

There are new programs coming out for community engagement and for arts and culture. They were approved by the Executive Committee last week. It also approved the Rally for Nature festival, which will be delivered working with Sustainable South Hams.

The 25/26 budget gap has been reduced to £150–200,000 pounds (about 1.5% of the total budget). SHDC is awaiting notice of the central Government settlement in 10 days time. It will be for a period of three years, into the expected unitary council’s starting in 28/29.

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

In Cllr Brazil’s absence Cllr Rake conveyed the very positive assessment from an Ofsted inspection of Children’s Services for care experienced young people. Children’s Services had been in special measures, with a Commissioner appointed by an Inspectorate. The use of BandBs has been eliminated, as have evictions from supported accommodation. Young people with special needs were being evicted. DCC has been buying accommodation in out of season Airbnb which has been associated with good outcomes for children e.g. accessing university.

Cllr Rake was asked about the registration of Airbnbs, and will look into the question.

DCC has acknowledged the rights of rivers e.g. if polluted a river has the right to be protected.

6. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The following decision was noted:

• 2635/25/PDM Land At Sx 801 505, Blackawton, TQ9 7AZ. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed change of use of agricultural barn to 4no. dwellinghouses (class C3) & for associated development (Class Q (a+b)). Refused

1. 1. Review of new Applications to South Hams District Council

• 3266/25/HHO The Anchorage Main Street Blackawton TQ9 7BG. Householder application for extension of existing dwelling & associated works.

Cllr Coe left the meeting.

Support (by resolution, Cllr Rake abstained).

Cllr Coe returned to the meeting.

• 2889/25/HHO Brocks Down 13 Dartmouth Green Blackawton TQ9 7FE. Householder application for replacement of existing single storey garden room with oak framed garden room.

Support (by resolution, Cllr Rake abstained).

• 3452/25/VAR Hingston Farm Lane To Hingston Farm East AllingtonTQ9 7QA. Application for variation of condition 2 (Approved Plans) of planning consent 1299/25/FUL (Proposed demolition of barns & replacement with residential dwelling in lieu of Class Q consent 2639/24/PDM).

No comment will be submitted by BPC (by resolution, Cllr Rake abstained).

• New Premises Licence – Higher Hutcherleigh, Blackawton, TQ9 7AD. Supply of alcohol off the premises:- Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00. Sunday 10:00 to 15:00. The premises will package hampers for distribution and will not be open to the public.

Support (by resolution, Cllr Rake abstained).

1. 3. Review of New Devon County Council Application

• Informal Consultation – Public Path Diversion – Blackawton Footpath No.4 Higher Pasture Farm, Blackawton.

Support. This change would be an improvement for dog walkers (by resolution).

7. French Furze Development

Cllr Rake reported that he and Cllr Thomas have met at the Business Units with a new representative of the developer and an external contractor who was there to price the work to address the final snags. This is positive, however after an exchange of texts saying a contact email address would be provided one was not sent.

There is a public meeting in the Village Hall on Wednesday 10 December at 7pm. There will be a presentation by the developer. There will not be a question and answer session.

8. Maintenance of Churchyard Wall

The Report and email correspondence from the Engineer who assessed the wall were noted. It was confirmed that the Clerk can use those to obtain quotes for the recommended works.

9. Churchyard Gates

The Clerk’s Report was noted. Cllr Luckens will lead on relocation of the southern lychgate into the back of the Church and photographing the lychgates for use as a scale drawing substitute in the Faculty planning application to the Church. Good photographs of all gates may be useful to support applications for grants to help to fund the maintenance and repair works. A community working group to help to seek grants for the repair and maintenance works was confirmed (Cllr Luckens will be on it), and it was agreed to ask the School and the local History group if the works might be a learning opportunity.

10. Planting Trees in the Churchyard to Replace Felled Trees

The Clerk’s Report was noted. It was confirmed that the variety of rowan trees to plant in an avenue in the Churchyard will be Sorbus aucuparia and they will be spaced four metres apart.

It was resolved to authorise payment of up to £50 for a crab apple (malus) John Downie on MM106 root stock.

It was agreed that it would be beneficial to have a working group to review the Devon Living Churchyards and Devon Wildlife Trust reports and the management of the Churchyard and Cemetery to support of their habitat value, and to create signage in the Churchyard to explain the management. Further discussion is required to progress this.

11. South Devon National Landscape’s Offer of a Wheelchair Friendly Picnic Table with Two Bench Seats

BPC’s choice of a wheelchair accessible site to locate the table/bench was reviewed taking into account new information that it is a table with bench seats, not a bench alone. It was decided that the table/bench would be best located outside the Village Hall in the region of the disabled access ramp.

12. Personnel Sub-Committee

It was resolved to approve the recommendations of the 1 December Personnel Sub-Committee meeting:
-to book a DALC whole council bespoke training course (short course for up to 10 people cost of approximately £250 plus travel), and to confirm the topics and date,
-no action is required regarding pension contributions,
-a system where the Clerk arranges annual leave by notifying the Personnel Cllrs in advance and within legal time-frame, -to continue to pay the Clerk for 15 hours per week from October to January inclusive (excluding when on annual leave). 15 hours per week is the average total weekly budgeted staff hours for 2025/26.

The training course will most likely be scheduled for March 2026.

13. BPC’s Gritter

Cllr Coe agreed to liaise with residents with a view to arranging to assess the gritter and it possibly being repaired. This will be an item on the January 2026 Agenda.

14. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The Report showed total funds of £67,591.94 and an unearmarked general fund of £22,480.55 at 30 November, and the bank accounts reconcile. There will be no further precept funds received until the next financial year.

1. 2. Payments & Receipts

It was resolved to authorise the following payments:

• Clerk November Expenses Reimbursement £35.29

• Royal British Legion Donation £50.00

• DALC, Managing Projects webinar training £42.00

• Churchyard Wall Engineer’s assessment of works £940.85

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

• Bat Survey of churchyard trees prior to felling £536.00

• Parish Lengthsman October 2025 £132.00

15. Cemetery Transfer of Deeds of Grant

It was noted that that effective 17 November 2025 the fee for obtaining will and probate documents has been revised by the Governement from £1.50 to £16.

16. Meeting Action items

The list was briefly reviewed.

17. Next Meeting

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 12 January at 7:30 p.m. Cllr Rake gave his apologies for that meeting.

18. 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.

19. Grounds Maintenance Contract 2026

It was resolved to accept the costs proposed by the current contractor.

20. Noticeboard Quotes

The consideration of the quotes and arrangements to install a Parish Council noticeboard in the Main Street bus shelter was deferred in order to have Cllr Thomas’ views.

21. Churchyard Trees

The price from GardenTime to purchase rowan trees (to plant an avenue in the Churchyard) for a discounted price of £59.49 each was accepted. BPC will be advised by GardenTime on planting details such as tree protectors.

The meeting closed at 21:15.

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Present: Cllrs Rake (Chair), Hadow, Mardon, and Oughton, and A Thom (Clerk)

1. Apologies

All members present.

2. Declarations of Interest

None declared.

3. Approval of Minutes

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the meeting on 26 March 2025.

4. Training

The meeting considered recommending arranging a DALC whole council bespoke training course, with a short course for up to 10 people cost of approximately £250 plus travel. It was agreed to do this. Date to be confirmed with full BPC.

Suggested topics discussed, in order, were running meetings more efficiently, procurement, roles and responsibilities, Assertion 10 (in the 25/26 Annual Audit regarding security and accessibility of digital services and data), and sexual harassment (new positive obligation to prevent).

Cllr Hadow joined the meeting during this discussion.

5. Development of BPC Policies

The new duty from October 2024 Requiring Employers to Protect Employees from Sexual Harassment and the Equality Act 2010 requirement for an Equality & Diversity Policy were noted. It was agreed to write a Dignity at Work Policy and an Equality & Diversity Policy using the template documents available via NALC (National Association of Local Councils).

6. Pension Contribution Levels

The Clerk’s Report explaining that minimum pension contributions are calculated on ‘qualifying earnings’ and that BPC has paid above that minimum by using total earnings was noted and discussed, and it was decided that no action is required.

7. Clerk’s Annual Leave

The Clerk’s annual leave requests were approved. One week of leave will be carried forward.

The creation of an alternative leave request system which meets the Clerk’s contract requirement to ‘take annual leave at times agreed with the Council’ was discussed. Cllrs took the view that taking Annual Leave is an administrative not a Council decision. It was agreed that going forward, the Clerk would notify the Personnel Cllrs in advance and within legal timeframe (workers must ask for holiday at least twice the number of days before as the amount they want to take off). The Clerk will alert Cllrs of the request via their WhatsApp group but also send an email. An absence of a response is to be considered an approval.

8. Clerk Hours Worked & Remuneration

The update and proposals were discussed. The 26 March 2025 meeting of the Personnel Committee decided to recommend employing a new Clerk or two co-Clerks for a total of 15 hours per week when the current Clerk left, however the Clerk did not leave and the Clerk’s regular hours of 11 per week have not been changed. BPC did agree to 15 hours per week being worked from June to September. 15 hours per week is the average total weekly budgeted staff hours for 2025/26.

The Committee agreed to recommend that BPC pay for an extra 4 hours per week worked in October, and for an extra 4 hours per week worked in November, December, and January when the Clerk is not on annual leave. The annual leave payments will be paid based on the existing core hours of 11 per week. The hours will be reviewed after January.

9. Performance Appraisal

An appraisal will be done with the Personnel Sub-Committee on 18 or 25 February at 7:30pm. Date to be confirmed.

The meeting closed at 21:18.

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Present: Parish & South Hams District Council Cllr Rake (Chair), and Parish Cllrs Oughton (Vice-Chair), Coe, and Thomas were present, as were, Clerk A Thom, and one member of the public.
Absent: Cllrs Hadow, Luckens, and Mardon.

a. Open Forum

No matters raised.

b. Councillors Forum

Parish Lengthsman Report
Cllrs confirmed their support for work being done on the Strete road at the intersection with the entrance to Quarry Road (near the A3122) if the Lengthsman judges that the works can be done safely, but not for works further down the Strete road.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Parish Cllrs Hadow, Lucken, & Mardon, and from DCC Cllr Brazil.

2. Declarations of Interest

Cllr Oughton declared an interest in 2883/25/FUL Land Adjacent 25 French Furze Road, Blackawton.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved approve the Minutes of the Meetings held on 13 October 2025 and 20 October 2025.

4. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

South Hams District Council Cllr Rake discussed SHDC’s Local Government Reform proposal, which will be submitted in November in response to the Government’s request, and those being submitted by other Local Authorities. The Government will in late winter or early spring publish its response to the proposals received, and then carry out a public consultation.

Cllr Rake’s meeting with SHDC Planning Officers has had to be deferred (about Officers’ preferred approaches to receiving notifications about possible breaches of planning legislation).

Cllr Rake has visited Hope Wood at South Brent. This community woodland was purchased by SHDC (with SHDC paying 10% and DEFRA paying the balance). Cllr Rake described a fantastic outcome for the £60,000 investment: Sustainable South Brent have a large community garden and orchard. A woodland has been planted. As well as providing an amenity space, the Wood will provide carbon credit or biodiversity net gain credits with a total value close to £1 million, and also move SHDC closer to its goal to plant a tree for every resident in the South Hams.

The member of the public commented on the Government Warm Homes grant which is available to improve homes. It is being delivered by SHDC in partnership with South Dartmoor Community Energy.

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

Deferred in Cllr Brazil’s absence.

6. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

• 2380/25/CLP The Granary Millcombe Farmhouse Blackawton TQ9 7AE. Certificate of lawfulness for proposed siting of caravan within the domestic garden to provide ancillary accommodation. Cert of Lawfulness (Proposed) Certified.

• 2657/25/AGR Yonder Parks Bungalow Blackawton TQ9 7DR. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed general purpose agricultural building measuring 22.86m (L) x 18.28m (B) x 9.14m height to ridge. Prior Approval Deemed Consent.

1. 1. Review of New Applications

• 2958/25/FUL Higher Dreyton Farm Blackawton TQ9 7DG. Extension to existing detached garage to form ancillary accommodation & associated works.

Support (by resolution, Cllr Rake abstained).

• 2883/25/FUL Land Adjacent 25 French Furze Road, Blackawton. Replacement of existing garage & containers with commercial store & office.

Support: BPC is supportive of development of this site but asks that particular attention is paid to assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring residential properties. BPC notes that the scale of vehicles on the planning documents does not appear to be correct. The vehicles appear to be shown as being much smaller than an actual vehicle would be. (By resolution, Cllrs Rake and Oughton abstained.)

7. French Furze Development

Cllr Rake reported that the developer has acknowledged receipt of the list of works required to complete the Business Units but no action has yet been taken to do those works.

There will be a public meeting on 10 December 2025 in the Village Hall to discuss the incomplete MUGA, play area, and drainage scheme. The developer may attend to provide information and then leave the meeting. There is currently one member of the SHDC Development Management Committee (DMC) attending. Cllr Rake suggested that all members of the DMC be invited to attend, because this is an instructive example of what can happen when developers don’t comply with S106 agreements.

8. Contract to Cut Back Vegetation growing on the Churchyard Wall, Entrance Steps & Pillars
   Contract for Grounds Maintenance in the Churchyard & Cemetery

Two Agenda Items were considered together. BPC supported the proposed specifications for work to cut back vegetation growing on the churchyard wall and gate pillars, and advertising a contract (1 year/optional 3 year extension). BPC supported the proposed revised specifications for Grounds Maintenance in the Churchyard & Cemetery.

9. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study Grant Application

The meeting noted that an application has been submitted, and discussed Clerk’s report advising that the contract to carry out a study would require a new procurement process. A response to the grant application is expected in January 2026.

10. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The Report and Bank Reconciliation were noted. At 31 October 2025 total funds were £69,404.50 and the unearmarked general fund £23,757.11. The Clerk noted the preparation of the 26/27 budget which will be approved in January and invited items.

1. 2. Payments & Receipts

It was resolved to authorise the following payments:

• Clerk, October Expenses Reimbursement £31.01

• Parish Online annual subscription fee £58.80

• Grounds Maintenance – Churchyard Frequent cuts 14 & 28 October £204.00

• Grounds Maintenance – Cemetery Frequent cuts 14 & 28 October £216.00

Payments authorised since the last monthly meeting:

• Parish Lengthsman September to 4 October £230.00

1. 3. Accounting Software 26/27 Cost Increase

The meeting discussed the advice that the annual charge will increase by 40%, due to a review using precept value as an indicator of the size of the council and the level of support and resources used, with the next review in three years. There is no change to the Cemetery software annual charge.

11. Clerk’s Request for Annual Leave

BPC approved the Clerk’s request for leave 14 to 21 November 2025. Other dates requested to be considered by the Personnel Committee meeting on 26 November 2025.

12. Church of England Permission to carry out Churchyard Maintenance

The Clerk’s report about law creating legal and planning controls for the Church of England (requiring a formal authorisation for some works to church buildings and churchyards) was noted.

13. South Devon National Landscape’s Offer of an Accessible/Wheelchair Friendly Picnic Bench

BPC will accept the offer requesting a bench to be used to replace the existing bench in the Cemetery if that site is acceptable. Alternative sites in order of preference are the community meadow (possibly with some hard standing installed to access it) and the play-park.

14. Correspondence

The following correspondence was noted:

• Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Annual Precept Survey. Closes 3 December 2025

• SHDC Thermal imaging camera loan scheme for communities

• ICCM Campaign to change DWP Funeral Expenses Payment eligibility criteria

15. Next Meeting

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

16. 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 items because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.

SHDC Chair left

17. Grounds Maintenance Contract

BPC resolved to take up the optional extension to extend the contract, with the adjustments to the works as discussed above. The contractor will submit a revised price which would need to be acceptable to BPC.

18. Noticeboard Quotes

No quotes have been received from carpenters. The Clerk was asked to cost commercial options, including a noticeboard similar to the noticeboard outside the Community Shop.

The meeting closed at 20:50.

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Present: Parish & South Hams District Council Cllr Rake (Chair), and Parish Cllrs Oughton (Vice-Chair, and Chair of the start of the meeting), Coe, Hadow, Luckens, Mardon, and Thomas were present, as were Clerk A Thom, and three members of the public. Cllr Rake arrived a few minutes late having represented SHDC at another Parish Council’s meeting (arriving a few minutes after the meeting starting, when Cllr Coe had started her summary of the current context and responses to Cllrs advance questions).
Absent: No Cllrs absent.

1. Apologies

All Cllrs present.

2. Declarations of Interest

None declared.

3. Application for a Wind Turbine Feasibility Study Grant

Cllr Coe’s proposed application for BPC to apply for a Government Great British Community Energy Fund grant to pay for a Community Owned Wind Turbine feasibility study was discussed. Cllr Coe said that the proposal has the support of Sustainable Blackawton and that a community owned turbine, if feasible and installed, would provide community and environmental benefits. Sustainable Blackawton does not have an organisation type which qualifies it to make a submission in its own right. Community consultation and engagement are a part of a feasibility study’s contracted work. Cllr Coe explained that four quotes were requested by her from suppliers on the Community Energy England list, provided by South West Net Zero Hub. Cllrs ensured in discussion that that there will not be a financial risk to BPC in obtaining the grant and contracting a feasibility study. The closing date for the current round of applications is 3 November 2025. If the grant is not successful the Fund provides formal feedback to help with the preparation of any future application.

It was resolved unanimously to support in principle the submission of the application for grant funds for a community owned wind turbine feasibility study.

It was resolved to delegate the Clerk authority in consultation with the Chair Cllr Rake, to approve the final application. It will also be circulated to all BPC Cllrs. Cllr Coe will provide the final application and supporting documents to the Clerk by Thursday 23 October 2025.

4. Blackawton Community Emergency Plan

The working draft was discussed. BPC decided not to identify a Co-ordinator or members of a Community Response Team, as described in the Devon Communities Together Draft Emergency Plan. BPC will produce a leaflet to help households prepare in advance so that they are able to be more resilient during an emergency, Cllr Rake offered to do this. The Community Shop will be the centre of communications in an emergency. There might be a voluntary register of people who know they could be vulnerable in an emergency. The Clerk will modify the draft Emergency Plan to reflect this approach.

The meeting closed at 21:01

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Present: Parish & South Hams District Council Cllr Rake (Chair), and Parish Cllrs Oughton (Vice-Chair), Hadow, Luckens, Mardon, and Thomas were present, as were Devon County Cllr Brazil for his report, Clerk A Thom, and one member of the public for the Open Forum.
Absent: Cllr Coe.

a. Open Forum

Blackawton Cemetery

A member of the public discussed their family’s request to inter the ashes of a non-resident whose spouse is interred in the Cemetery into the existing grave.

b. Councillors Forum

BPC’s Policy regarding Notifications to SHDC about Possible Breaches of Planning Legislation

Cllr Rake asked Cllrs to consider whether BPC’s approach (asking those who notice the possible breach to report it themselves directly to SHDC, with technical support from BPC if needed) for possible discussion in a future meeting of BPC. Cllr Rake will later this month discuss with SHDC Officers what Officers preferred approach is.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Coe.

2. Declarations of Members’ interests in Agenda items

None declared.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 September 2025.

4. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

BPC Cllr Oughton said that adoption of the roads within French Furze by DCC (and the adoption of the sewage system by South West Water) is still two years away. The roads are in a 60mph speed zone now.

DCC Cllr Brazil explained that DCC cannot do a TRO [Traffic Regulation Order] because the roads are not adopted. He said that although it may not be DCC Policy to create a 20 mph zone, if Blackawton wants one this is well worth pursuing. Cllr Brazil noted that the Police still have powers if vehicles drive at dangerous speeds. Local Police could be asked to attend, for example around School drop off times: which were identified as a time when there is a problem. It was suggested by BPC that the School could raise the matter with parents, eg notes in book bags.

Cllr Brazil said that if Blackawton would prefer the village was a 20 mph zone to raise that with DCC now. There will be an advertising process for the speed zone when the French Furze area roads are adopted by DCC. It would save Blackawton money if a change to the village speed limits was advertised at the same time.

Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) were discussed. Communities can go through a SCARF process. It was noted by BPC that a speed survey was done fairly recently, in 2022, and that it showed general compliance with the 30mph zone. The maximum speed measured during the survey was 25mph. So long as VAS don’t cause a safety issue Cllr Brazil hopes that DCC Highways would co-operate. BPC would liaise with Highways. Several suitable sites could be agreed and VAS could be rotated between sites by BPC. Cllr Brazil noted that Strete is also landscaping so that it is obvious to drivers that they are entering a village.

If BPC wants to action a 20 mph zone in the French Furze area the Clerk would write to Cllr Oughton’s DCC contact and copy to the DCC Neighbourhood Officer and to Cllr Brazil. A request for VAS would go to the latter two.

There was some discussion about engineering works to improve visibility at Forces Cross; if works are possible they are likely to be several years away.

Regarding indicative costs to change speed zones, Cllr Rake said that a change is being considered for the road to Newton Abbot, near the Pig and Whistle public house. DCC’s charges will be nearly £20,000: for design, advertising a TRO, and for traffic management.

Cllr Brazil gave his apologies for the 10 November monthly meeting of BPC.

5. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

SHDC Cllr Rake reported that the full Local Government Reform proposals are due with Government by 28 November. DCC have supported ‘New Devon’: all Districts merging to create a new County Authority, with Plymouth and Torbay each separate. SHDC support the 4-5-1 proposal, or the 4-5-1 plus proposal which lets Plymouth expand into the Plymouth urban fringe. In Cllr Rake’s view those two are the only sensible ones proposed. The Government will put its preferred proposal out for public consultation next spring. The May 2027 elections would have been District Council elections. They will now be elections to a shadow authority. The shadow authority will have until 1 April 28 to become operational.

SHDC is working on its 26/27 budget and that budget is under strain. The Fair Funding Review has taken place and SHDC’s settlement will be announced before Christmas. The waste collection grant has been reduced from £1 million to £700,000.

SHDC’s 25/26 budget performance is good. Car Parks receipts are ahead of budget.

6. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

• 1987/25/FUL Land At Sx 808 527 (Nr West Drayton Farm) Blackawton. Provision of new agricultural access. Conditional Approval.

• 2823/25/TEX St Michael’s Church, Church Hill, Blackawton, TQ9 7BQ. Removal of dead tree in Churchyard. No Objection Raised.

1. 2. Review of New Applications

No comments will be made by BPC to SHDC on the following applications:

• New pavement licence application: Coastal Trail, Riverside Court, South Embankment, Dartmouth, TQ6 9BH.

• New pavement licence application: The Crafty Mussel, South Embankment, Dartmouth TQ6 9BH.

The following applications were noted. No comments are being be made by BPC to SHDC. SHDC’s decision’s will be based on evidence & planing policy.:

• 2635/25/PDM Land At Sx 801 505, Blackawton, TQ9 7AZ. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed change of use of agricultural barn to 4no. dwellinghouses (class C3) & for associated development (Class Q (a+b)).

• 2657/25/AGR Yonder Parks Bungalow Blackawton TQ9 7DR. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed general purpose agricultural building measuring 22.86m (L) x 18.28m (B) x 9.14m height to ridge.

7. French Furze Development

The assessment of the Business Units by Cllrs Rake and Thomas (in their role as Directors of the Blackawton Business Units CIC) and an SHDC Officer found minor snags. The Units are pretty much ready. A snags list was sent to the developer. There has been no reply yet.

The Units were to be Business Class B1, however that Class no longer exists. The Units will be Business Class E, which is broader.

The meeting was told that the MUGA is unsafe. Cllr Rake will arrange a visit from SHDC’s Environmental Health team.

The Agenda item about receipt of information about DCC’s plan for French Furze was addressed above.

The new drainage system being developed for French Furze includes redirecting and managing water runoff from the farmland above, as well as a drainage solution for the open drain and below.

8. Devon County Council Highways Matters

BPC agreed to request a 20mph zone for the village, with the 20mph zone to be extended to the ‘Welcome’ signs on the Forces Road and on the Quarry Road entrances to the village, and with limits as existing at the other entrances to the village. A public consultation is part of Devon County Council’s process to respond to BPC’s request.

BPC decided not to progress a project to install Vehicle Activated Signage in the village at this time. This matter will be reviewed depending on feedback from DCC regarding timings of implementation of a 20 mph zone.

BPC will ask the French Furze developer for its support for the 20mph zone and to make a financial contribution.

9. Management of Trees in the St Michael’s Churchyard

Cllrs Hadow and Thomas reported that there is plenty of interest from Blackawton craftspeople to use the wood from the cherry trees that need to be felled in the Churchyard. Cllr Hadow is keeping a list. The Clerk will pass on the name of an interested Totnes resident. Those outside the Parish would receive second preference.

The proposals to leave cherry tree trunks in situ as habitat deadwood, or if that is not acceptable then stacking any unused cut wood in a series of low piles against the north Church wall were discussed. It was agreed that Cllr Hadow will investigate possible nearby locations, such as the School. There is limited space in the Churchyard and the access to the churchyard wall for maintenance purposes is important.

It was agreed that eight Rowan trees in seven to nine foot containers would be planted before spring to replace the avenue of mature cherry trees. The Clerk will obtain comparison purchase costs. The trees will have protective matting. Planting will be a team effort by Cllrs, ideally into the holes of the Cherry trees being removed. Cllr Luckens agreed to water the planted trees as necessary using the Church’s outside tap.

Cllr Oughton will try to source a heritage Crab-apple, which will replace the dead cherry on the path to School Lane.

10. Maintenance and Restoration of Gates in the St Michael’s Churchyard

The Report was noted, including the agreed method, grant funds will be sought, a Church Faculty application is required for the lychgates, & suggesting removing the remaining lychgate into the Church to protect it pending the works. Removal of the lychgate was agreed if feasible and with the PCC’s agreement.

11. Noticeboard

The Clerk will cost the installation in the Main Street bus shelter of a Parish Council noticeboard with two sides of 6A4 size each, made of accoya with a marine ply back if it’s not accoya, self-healing recycled rubber pinboard, polycarbonate glazing, locked doors, and stainless steel hinges. The Parish Council might provide financial support for the extension of community noticeboard space near the Community Shop if that’s required. The current wooden noticeboard is full of community notices, however it’s not managed and many notices are very old.

12. Draft Blackawton Emergency Plan

This item was deferred.

13. Wind Turbine Feasibility Grant Application

An Extraordinary Meeting was scheduled for Monday 20 October at 7:30pm to consider Cllr Coe’s proposed application for BPC to apply for a Government grant to pay for a feasibility study for a Community Owned Wind Turbine, and also the Draft Blackawton Emergency Plan.

14. Blackawton Cemetery

The request from a family to purchase a grave to inter the ashes of a non-resident whose spouse is interred in the Cemetery was discussed. Their preference would be to inter the ashes in the spouse’s existing plot. The Clerk has replied that this is not possible because it’s a single plot and its illegal to disturb human remains, including interred ashes. Cllrs agreed that because the ashes plots in the Blackawton Cemetery are widely spaced it may be possible to place ashes next to those already interred. That approach is acceptable to BPC. The Clerk will assess on-site with Cllr Thomas, and advise the requester. The approved charges schedule will be used.

15. Notice for the Beacon about the Blackawton Cemetery

The proposed Notice to ask for the community’s to help managing the Blackawton Cemetery (by using stone or similar durable materials for flowers or memorial items but not glass (because glass can break and cause injury)) and noting that items that interfere with maintenance or become unsafe, damaged, or unsightly will need to be removed by the Council, was approved with the addition of some examples about the sorts of items which cause a problem.

16. Warden Vacancies

The appointment of a new volunteer Tree Warden was confirmed.
Cllr Rake said that he has received an expression of interest in the vacant Footpath Warden role and will be meeting with them soon to discuss the role.

17. Meeting Action Items

The review of the list was deferred, except to the Clerk’s brief update on the Cemetery safety issues. The Clerk and Cllr Rake will review.

18. Finance

    1. Annual Governance and Accountability Return Audit 24/25

The Notice of Conclusion of Audit and the External Auditor’s Report were noted. Not matters were raised.

1. 2. Update on Current Financial Position

The Reports were noted, including a Report against the budget to 30 September 2025, and the Bank Reconciliation at 30 September 2025 was signed. The new ‘Churchyard’ Cost Centre, to reflect the new clarification of responsibility, was noted. At 30 September 2025 the total balance was £72,270 and the unearmarked General Fund £26,845 (this balance includes the received second half of precept).

1. 3. Payments & Receipts

It was resolved to authorise the following payments:

• Clerk September Expenses Reimbursement £107.53

• Parish Lengthsman June 2024 to March 2025 £1,012

• Grounds Maintenance Churchyard Frequent cuts 2, 16, & 30 September £306.00

• Grounds Maintenance Cemetery Frequent cuts 2, 16, & 30 September £324.00

• Blackawton Defibrillator Annual Support £198.00

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

• Parish Lengthsman April to August 2025 £310.50

• External Audit 2024/25 £252.00

• Cut flush Churchyard wall vegetation, completion of cut £381.25

• Bulb grant, four bedding packs October 2024 £15.00

The following Receipts were noted:

• Precept second half £14971.50

• VAT Refund 2024/25 Financial Year £1,092.90

• DCC Public Right of Way Grant Minor Repairs £420

19. Parish Lengthsman Rate

It was resolved to approve an increase in the hourly rate to £24.

20. Correspondence

The following correspondence was noted:

• Better Housing Better Health – https://www.bhbh.org.uk/ A not-for-profit free of charge service to help residents access fuel poverty advice and support.

• SHDC Invitation – South Hams Energy Assembly Saturday 18 October 9:30-3:30.

• Primary School, 30/9/25, Sharing correspondence about dog fouling between School and Car Park.
  The Clerk has shared SHDC’s dog fouling information and reporting webpage, and requested SHDC public notices and a visit from the Localities team.

• Invitation, Dartmouth Caring AGM, Tuesday 21 October 17:00 for 17:30-18:30.

• Hastoe, Request for help to establish Land Registry boundary.

• Invitation Annual Slapton Ley Research Seminar on Saturday 15th November 2025, 10:00-16:00.

21. Next Meeting

The next monthly meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 10 November at 7:30 p.m.

22. 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 items because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.

23. Management of Trees in the St Michael’s Churchyard

The decision made by the Clerk in consultation with Cllr Hadow under delegated authority to contract a free-lance contractor to do an initial survey for bats (Ground Level Tree Assessment and a Potential Roost Features Assessment) on trees planned for felling at a cost of £536 was summarised and noted.

24. Maintenance and Restoration of Gates in the St Michael’s Churchyard

It was resolved to accept the quote of £19,342 from a contractor with the heritage qualifications and experience that BPC now understands is required to carry out the project. The quote does not include the creation of method documents for the Faculty application to the Church of England for the works to the lychgates. The timing of the works will depend on grant funds received and approval of the Faculty application.

The meeting closed at 22:00.

The post APPROVED Minutes 2025 October 13 appeared first on Blackawton.

Monday 8 September 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in Blackawton Village Hall

Present: Parish & South Hams District Council Cllr Rake (Chair), and Parish Cllrs Oughton (Vice-Chair), Hadow, Luckens, Mardon, and Thomas were present, as were Devon County Cllr Brazil for his report, Clerk A Thom, and two members of the public.
Absent: Cllr Coe.

a. Open Forum

i. Water Quality in the River Gara and Slapton Ley Catchment

A member of its Steering Group described the BLUEprint for Rivers Project: a collaborative project designed to unite local stakeholders in restoring the health of our rivers, estuaries, and streams by 2027.

The Steering Group has members with a wide range of expertise. The Project covers the catchments of the Gara and Slapton Ley, the Avon, and the Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary. It is funded from DEFRA’s Water Restoration Fund (fines and penalties levied on South West Water).

BLUEprint’s first phase is a design project: to gather data, lay the groundwork and design a further bid to fund a delivery project based on what is learnt. That delivery project will have a substantially larger budget and be used for practical projects to improve water quality. They will work with local landowners to fund and install nature-based solutions (such as planting, moving gates, and contouring) designed to improve water quality. The project representative said that in the Gara and Slapton about 40% of problems relate to agriculture and 60% to South West Water.

BPC is invited to attend a summit on 4 October 2025. Stakeholders will listen to talks in the morning and workshop in the afternoon, with a goal to put together a catchment plan.

b. Open Forum

Visit to a Community Owned Wind Turbine

A member of the public discussed the visit to the Lawrence Weston community owned wind turbine near Bristol, which was arranged by Cllr Coe and also attended by Cllr Hadow. They explained that the turbine is located close (about four kilometres away from) an economically deprived area. The turbine has created a steady income flow for community use e.g. a community hub with opportunities such as cooking clubs and bowling groups.

c. Councillors Forum

Churchyard Wall

The Clerk informed Cllrs of the additional request they have made of the Engineer advising on the churchyard wall: to consider drainage in the central section of the Park Lane wall and also two areas of movement in that wall towards the School Lane end.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Coe.

2. Declarations of Interest

None declared.

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved to approve Minutes of the Meeting held 14 July 2025.

4. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

Devon County Council Councillor Brazil reported that DCC has now had its first substantive meeting. It has a Strategic Plan which has improvement of the service provided to children at its centre and throughout. The meeting approved a Delivery Plan (there were no votes against it). Cabinet Reports were received from Highways, Rural Affairs, and Adult Services. Motions were carried in favour of a ban on smartphone use by students during the school day (DCC’s polices can encourage and support implementation, although DCC doesn’t have direct control of academies, and DCC will lobby the Government), calling on the government to mandate the redistribution of surplus safe-to-eat food from supermarkets to charities, and about zero tolerance of hate crime.

Locally, DCC has assessed the condition of Greenslade Road and taken some core samples. However in the context of the overall condition of roads in Devon this road is not likely to be a priority. DCC has started a process for engineering works to improve visibility at Forces Cross; if works are possible they are likely to be several years away.

Some grant funds have been received by BPC from DCC for minor works to public rights of way. The outcome of BPC’s request for a major grant for improvements to Footpath 7 (near Woodford) is not yet known.

Cllr Brazil reported that every Devon Council supports a whole of Devon (and Cornwall if they like) mayoral authority. A holding response has been received from the Government. There are four fast track mayorals. DCC is yet to decide but is moving towards proposing one big Devon (A full Member day on Thursday will look at local government reorganisation). Underneath that it wants community hubs, like the existing HATOC [Highway and Traffic Orders Committees], with powers and resources to deliver at a local level. Cllr Brazil said that with the Westminster reshuffle leading to a new team Councils are writing urgently to find out where that leaves us.

Cllr Rake added that Devon has launched a new grant fund ‘places to go and things to do’ about activities for people aged 11 to 25 years. There is information on the DCC website.

A member of the public commended the information in DCC’s weekly newsletter.

Cllr Brazil said that if St George’s flags or crosses are a safety issue or provocation DCC will act quickly. Some crosses have been painted over. No flags have been removed.

In response to a Cllr’s question Cllr Brazil said that regarding changes to create village 20 mph zones, if parishes pay the related costs that can be done. This will be an item on the 13 October Agenda, as will DCC’s plan for French Furze.

5. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

Cllr Rake said that there is not a great deal to report about SHDC’s recent activities.

SHDC is developing a new Joint Local Plan with West Devon, although the future of SHDC is uncertain, because SHDC doesn’t have an established land supply to meet increased the Government’s increased targets. Targets were increased from about 500 to about 900 last year. Cllr Rake said that this was a top down decision. It didn’t consider local restrictions such as the local National Landscape and Undeveloped Coast designations. The Joint Local Plan project is in very early stages.

6. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The following decisions were noted:

• 1505/25/PDM Land At Sx 801 505 (Woodford Barn), Blackawton. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed change of use of agricultural building to 2No dwellinghouse (class C3) & for associated development (Class Q (a+b)). Prior Approval Required and Refused.

• 1876/25/AGR Land at SX 780 509 Blackawton. Application to determine if prior approval is required for proposed excavations or deposits of waste material reasonably necessary for the purposes of agriculture; to create a small car park in the paddock. Prior Approval Required and Refused.

• 1520/25/PDM Land At Sx 801 505 (Woodford Barn), Blackawton. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed change of use of agricultural building to 2No dwellinghouse (class C3) & for associated development (Class Q (a+b)). Prior Approval Required and Refused.

• 1604/25/HHO 8 Cheavestone Lea Blackawton TQ9 7AU. Householder application for proposed single storey rear extension. Conditional Approval.

• 1712/25/HHO The Anchorage Main Street BlackawtonTQ9 7BG. Householder application for extension of existing dwelling & associated works. Withdrawn.

• 2088/25/TCA 1 Tumbling Fields Main Street Blackawton TQ9 7BG. G1: x1 Bay & x1 Cypress – remove. No Objections Raised.

• 2314/25/TCA St Michaels Church Church Hill Blackawton TQ9 7BQ. T1 – T8 (Cherries): Removal of the avenue of cherry trees leading from the southern gate of the churchyard to the porch of St Michael’s Church T9: Conifer – Removal, the roots of the large conifer are damaging the retaining wall of the churchyard (both the next to Main Street and the adjoining wall next to the small garden area), if the tree is not removed the walls will become dangerous. No Objections Raised.

1. 2. Review of New Applications

This application was noted, for information. SHDC’s decision will be based on evidence submitted to SHDC.:

• 2380/25/CLP The Granary Millcombe Farmhouse Blackawton TQ9 7AE. Certificate of lawfulness for proposed siting of caravan within the domestic garden to provide ancillary accommodation.

1. 3. Applications received since the 14 July Meeting of BPC

The following applications were noted. They were circulated within BPC and no extraordinary meeting considered required to comment to SHDC on them.:

• Pavement Licence Application – Smith Street Deli, Dartmouth, TQ6 9QR

• Variation application premises licence Royal Castle Hotel, Dartmouth TQ6 9PS

• Dartmouth Pavement Licence – Seale Arms

• 2148/25/ARC Ebenezer Blackawton. TQ9 7BN. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 3 (Windows & Doors) to planning consent 0619/25/HHO.

The Blackawton Tree Warden commented to SHDC on the following application:

• 2088/25/TCA 1 Tumbling Fields Main Street Blackawton TQ9 7BG. G1: x1 Bay & x1 Cypress – remove.

The Tree Warden noted that the Bay tree is causing damage the adjacent wall and overhanging the adjacent property, and that the Cypress is intertwined with the Bay tree. They requested the opinion of the South Hams Tree Officer.

7. Consultations

• South Hams District Council: series of events in September and October to discuss the Local Government Reorganisation proposals to help inform a final proposal.

The closest event to Blackawton will take place in the Flavel Centre on 8 October 2025, 18:15 to 20:00. There is more information on Blackawton and South Hams District Council’s websites.

• South Hams Draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 – 2031. Closes 30/09/2025

BPC is not submitting a whole of Council response to these consultations.

8. Management of Trees in the St Michael’s Churchyard

It was resolved to remove the conifer from the southeast corner next to the lychgate because it is endangering the adjacent churchyard walls.

It was resolved to remove the dead cherry tree on the avenue to School Lane.

It was resolved to review management of other sickly trees on the avenue to School Lane in a year and limit current felling to that already decided.

It was resolved to delegate a decision about whether the arrangement of a ‘Bat Survey’ is required to the Clerk in consultant with Cllr Hadow.

A final decision regarding arrangements for use of cherry wood by local craftspeople and proposals to leave cherry tree trunks in situ as habitat deadwood, or if that is not acceptable then stacking any unused cut wood in a series of low piles against the north Church wall was deferred to the 13 October meeting.

It was resolved to approve the proposal to Replant the avenue from Cousins Cross to the Church porch with Rowan trees. The planting details (e.g. size of trees, budget, post-planting care) will be on the 13 October Agenda.

A decision regarding the proposal to replace the dead cherry on the path to School Lane with a Hawthorn tree was deferred the 13 October Agenda.

9. Maintenance and Restoration of Gates in the St Michael’s Churchyard

It was noted that a single meeting is being arranged with both representatives of the Church and of SHDC to agree an appropriate approach to the works, and that the response to a Project Enquiry to the Heritage Fund regarding grant funding for the works was not positive. The Fund requires that the proposal addresses all of its four investment principles: saving heritage, protecting the environment, inclusion, access and participation, organisational sustainability.

10. Blackawton Emergency Plan

It was agreed that the Clerk will prepare a draft Blackawton Emergency Plan for consideration by the 13 October meeting. This will build on the work from the June 2025 Workshop.

Cllr Luckens left the meeting.

11. Blackawton Community Owned Wind Turbine

BPC did not allocate resources to apply for a Government grant to pay for a feasibility study for a Community Owned Wind Turbine. The Parish Council is in principle supportive of using its structure to support the project (e.g. to advertise and receive tenders, receive grant funds, receive, approve, & pay invoices). However BPC considers that the drive behind the project needs to come from the community, which is not currently the case for this project.

12. Parish Lengthsman Report

The Report and Invoice received today for the regular work on priority areas done from July 2024 to the August 2025 was noted.

13. Maintenance and Repair of the Railing at the Church’s Lychgate, on Church Hill

The proposal from a volunteering resident to remove the railing, repair, and reinstall with a materials budget of up to £150 was accepted with thanks. BPC plans to repaint the railing in black. It amended the plan to add requiring that the area is made safe when the railing is removed from site, and requests that the work is done as soon as possible to address residual risks because the railing has been damaged.

14. Community All Areas Cut of the Churchyard

Cllr Rake is leading the community project which will take place on Sunday 21 September after Church. He said that is a community project not a BPC one and won’t have access to BPC’s insurance.

15. French Furze Development

Cllrs Rake and Thomas (in their role as Directors of the Blackawton Business Units CIC) are meeting an SHDC Officer on site this week to assess whether the Business Units are complete. If the Units meet the S106 conditions the process for the developer to transfer the units to the Blackawton Business Units CIC can be carried out.

16. Blackawton Tree Warden Vacancy

BPC will keep advertising to try to fill the vacancy.

17. Stoke Gabriel Ukraine Action Group

It was agreed to invite the Action Group to make a presentation at a separate public meeting in the Village Hall. The Clerk has checked and been advised that there won’t be a charge for the use of the Hall for this purpose.

18. Meeting Action items

The review the list was deferred.

19. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The Reports showed a total bank balance of £59,109.81 on 31 August 2025 with an unearmarked General Fund of £13,684.42. The second half of the precept will be received in September.

1. 2. Payments & Receipts

It was resolved to authorise the following payments:

• Clerk July & August Expenses Reimbursement £99.08

• Cllr Coe Emergency Plan Workshop Refreshments Expenses Reimbursement £4.79

• Grounds Maintenance Churchyard Frequent cuts 8 & 22 August £204.00

• Grounds Maintenance Cemetery Frequent cuts 8 & 22 August £216.00

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

• Supplies to restore phone box & re-fix loose slab on wall around War Memorial area £68.87

• Cut flush Churchyard wall vegetation, fell three saplings growing on the wall & insert ecoplugs. Payment for first stage of £742.50 made. Total of £1,000 approved by Clerk and Chair for the complete work.

• Grounds Maintenance Churchyard Frequent cuts 5 & 19 August £204.00

• Grounds Maintenance Cemetery Frequent cuts 5 & 19 August £216.00

• Set-up cost for Webhost to provide additional Email addresses for Community Shop & Allotments (for GDPR compliance) £22.00. The ongoing cost will be £20/year including the existing extra 10 Email addresses.

16.4 Local Government Pay Award 2025/26

It was resolved to support the implementation of the new Award.

20. Correspondence

The following correspondence was noted:

• Peninsula Transport £100k Rural Mobility Fund Closes 5/10/25

• Strete Parish Council Meeting, 17/07/2025, Open Public Forum with Slapton Line Partnership Adaption Manager, Minutes shared with BPC

• UK Policing’s notice of South West’s Cyber Resilience Centre: Free Cyber Support available for Sole Traders/SME’s/Charities/Public Authorities etc.

• Slapton WW2 Research Project. For BPC’s information

• Invitation: Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service: Community Conversations Webinar on 10/09/2025 at 12:00pm, Road safety

• Invitation: South Devon National Landscape Partnership Meeting 19/09/2025, Hybrid: Repton Room at Follaton House and online via Zoom. 10am – 12:00pm

• Invitation: South Hams Energy Assembly 18/10/25 Kingsbridge Community College

• Invitation: Scribefest 9/10/2025, 9:30am – 4:00pm

21. Next Meeting

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

22. 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 because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.

23. Management of Trees in the St Michael’s Churchyard

Quotes received for the removal of the avenue of cherry trees from Cousins Cross to the Church porch and of the large conifer in the south-east corner of the Churchyard were considered and a quote of £1,450 exVAT was accepted.

The meeting closed at 21:49.

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