You are hereby summoned to attend the monthly meeting of Blackawton Parish Council to be held on Monday 9 November 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Blackawton Village Hall for the purpose of transacting the following business.

a. Open Forum

The Chair invites Questions from Parishioners.

b. Councillors Forum

Cllrs may raise items for attention or for future consideration.

AGENDA

1. Apologies

To receive apologies for absence

2. Declarations of Interest

To receive declarations of Members’ interests in Agenda items

3. Minutes of Previous Meetings

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held 12 October 2026.

4. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

5. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

6. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

To note the decisions as follows:

• 2529/26/HHO 2 Greenslade Road Blackawton TQ9 7BP. Demolition of conservatory with replacement extension & associated minor alterations. Conditional Approval.

1. 2. Review of New Applications

For information:

• 2903/26/ARC Bow Cottage Blackawton TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 3 (Bat Licence) of planning consent 1799/25/HHO.

• 2904/26/ARC Bow Cottage Blackawton TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by condition 3 (Bat Licence) of planning consent 1800/25/LBC.

7. French Furze Development

To receive an update.

8. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

To note the update Report & to consider confirming the plan to focus on the site in Blackawton.

To consider approval of the data processing contract with Community Power Solutions.

9. Blackawton Log of Traffic Collisions and Near-Collisions

To consider action regarding responses received to date.

10. Churchyard Maintenance

To receive the report about emergency tree-works carried out.
To decide works to remove dead cherry tree on north side of footpath from church to School Lane.

11. Cleaning of Bus Shelters

    To note that the Clerk will advertise for a new contractor for the twice yearly cleans.

12. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

To receive Reports.

1. 2. Payments

To authorise the following payments

• Clerk October Expenses Reimbursement £69.40

• Parish Online Annual Fee £58.80

• Emergency removal of storm damaged tree in the Churchyard £1,190

• Cut back vegetation on Churchyard walls May & October 2026 £1,500

• Wall vegetation contractor ½ day Training at Notter Bridge (hourly labour £250, mileage £35.20) £285.20

• Reimbursement to volunteer for Materials to repair the lychgates handrail £150.00

• Grounds Maintenance:

Frequent cuts 13 and 27 October 2026 Churchyard £210.00

Frequent cuts 13 and 27 October 2026 Cemetery £228.00

War memorial area £36.00

1. 1. 3. Grants

To consider making the following grants as budgeted:

• Citizens Advice South Hams £300.00

• Royal British Legion £50.00

1. 4. Interest Earning Account

To consider the proposal to open an account and to decide the sum to deposit.

1. 5. Replacement for the use of the Clerk’s Personal Credit Card

To consider approving the proposal to open a Lloyds Bank Business Charge Card account.

13. Conservation of the Historic Entrance Gates to St Michael’s Churchyard

To receive an update, including the offer for heritage blacksmith work experience.

14. Correspondence

To note or consider:

• Slapton Ley Research Seminar 2026 Saturday 14th November 9.30am – 4:00pm

15. Next Meeting

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

PRESS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE VERY WELCOME TO ATTEND

Annette Thom

Parish Clerk

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Present: BPC and SHDC Cllr Rake, BPC Cllrs Douglas-Ross, Hadow, Luckens, and Thomas were present, as were DCC Cllr Brazil until his report, and Clerk A Thom.

There were 31 members of the public present for the Open Forum and one member of the public until Item 7.

a. Open Forum

i) Possible Residential Development Scheme in Blackawton

A representative of Acorn Property Group explained the possible development that they are working on. It is around 30 to 35 residences of 2 and 3, and 4 bedrooms on Ruby Field, the land opposite Higher Island. They would be built to the “Future Homes” standard and have an overheating assessment. The presentation was followed by questions. South West Water has said that the sewage processing plant would need to be upgraded prior to their occupation. There were questions about the company structure and the legal entity responsible for the site. Cllr Rake commended the developer for liaising with the community at this early stage, which they don’t have to.

b. Councillors Forum

No matters raised by Cllrs.

1. Apologies

Apologies for absence received from Cllrs Coe and Oughton were noted.

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

It was resolved to co-opt the applicant, Claire Douglas-Ross

Cllr Douglas-Ross signed a declaration of acceptance of office and it was witnessed by the Clerk.

3. Declarations of Interest

None declared.

4. Minutes of Previous Meetings

It was resolved to approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 September 2026.

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

DCC Cllr Brazil acknowledged BPC’s enquiry about the status of the request to replace the 30 mph limit with 20 mph and for the reduced speed zone margins to be extended. He suggested suggested BPC contact DCC’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for transportation about progressing the request. Cllr Brazil said that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is now pretty much off table. During the LGR response phase County and District Councils have been working well together. There is potential for economies of scale. Same or compatible services will be reviewed and a decision made about at what level the service should be delivered. For example gritting is best delivered centrally, compared with planning where delivery is local. Once there is agreement among County and District Councils a proposal can be put to Government. Each council would continue to maintain its sovereignty. There is an agreement with Torbay and Plymouth to set up Devon Strategic Mayoral Authority. It would represent about 1.25 million people. A judicial review has been tabled about the Government’s LGR decision. Whether it is started depends on the result of the Government’s current LGR ‘pause and review’. Cllr Brazil is pretty confident that DCC would win.

6. French Furze Development

This item was moved up the Agenda at the Chair’s discretion.

Cllr Rake said that the developer is in the process of appointing a contractor fix the final snags on the business units. It is a short list of snagging items. Cllr Rake expects a timeline for the units’ transfer this week, which can then be used to prepare for next actions. It is hoped to expand the Business Units CIC membership now that there will be something to do.

The developer has submitted a S73 planning application which addresses the playpark, drainage, and west end of the site. In it the steps are removed and a retaining wall inserted which allows an expanded toddler play area. It wasn’t validated by SHDC, but has been resubmitted and is awaiting validation.

It may be possible to work with SHDC to build out the remaining three business units and run them. SHDC operates its own business units, so has helpful experience.

7. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

The elections next year will be for District Council (not a new authority created out of the LGR process). Budget setting will start soon and will be very testing this year because of the Government settlement under LGR scaling back funding. The Freeport and associated projects at Sherford and Langage are coming near to their next phases, which is positive for SHDC’s funds. Solar panels have been installed on the Kingsbridge Leisure Centre and will follow on Ivybridge’s.

8. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The decision as follows was noted:

• 2258/26/FUL Westdown Blackawton TQ9 7AL. General Purpose Agricultural Building. Conditional Approval.

1. 2. Review of New Applications

BPC considered commenting to SHDC on the following application:

• 2529/26/HHO 2 Greenslade Road Blackawton TQ9 7BP. Demolition of conservatory with replacement extension & associated minor alterations.

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

The applications below are for information:

• 2709/26/ARC Bow Cottage Blackawton TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 7 (Windows / Doors) & 8 (External Attachments) of planning consent 1800/25/LBC.

• 2712/26/ARC Bow Cottage Blackawton TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 10 (Windows / Doors) & 11 (External Attachments) of planning consent 1799/25/HHO.

9. Consultations

• Consultation on Plymouth becoming a member of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority and conversion to a Mayoral Strategic Authority. Closes 28 October 2026.

Budgeted funds would be transferred and there would be more local say in how funds are spent.

It was resolved that BPC would respond in support, implementation delegated to the Clerk in consultation with the Chair.

• South Hams District Council. Taxi Fare Review for setting the maximum taxi fares for Hackney Carriages (the vehicles with a ‘TAXI’ roof sign). Closes 22 October 2026

• Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Community Risk Management Plan. Closes 4/1/2027.

10. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

The update Report was noted. A meeting of the Steering Group will be arranged to agree next steps.

11. Blackawton Log of Traffic Collisions and Near-Collisions

Three responses have been received to date and they are about three different locations. BPC will review and consider actions it can take.

12. Blackawton Sewage Treatment Works – Request for regulatory clarification on capacity, resilience,

Replies to BPC’s correspondence have now been received from Ofwat, the Environment Agency, and South West Water. The Clerk’s Report noted that the new storm tank has been installed and is fully operational, the works has been dry weather flow compliant since 2013, decisions regarding future investment and capacity increases are guided by the strategic Drainage and Wastewater Management Plans (the next update is scheduled for 2028). The spills data shows that BLACKAWTON STW_SSO_BLACKAWTON spilt 56 times in 2025. The Clerk said that although they remain unclear about the Blackawton plant’s operations it would take more time to understand the operational data published by SWW and there is no apparent intervention for BPC to take. The meeting agreed that no further action will be taken by BPC and appreciated the current local citizen science monitoring river water quality.

13. Blackawton Beacon

The Clerk’s Report was noted. The Parish Council confirmed the view that the Beacon is an important community resource to support. The Parish Councillors would welcome a meeting with the Beacon’s creators if requested

14. Churchyard Tree Planting

It was agreed that BPC will now plant a crab apple (Malus) John Downie on MM106 root stock on the north side of the path from School Lane to the Church.

15. Maintenance of Council Assets

    1. Woodlands Bus Shelter Flag

BPC confirmed that the adhesive notice to replace the flag on the Dartmouth bound shelter is acceptable and that BPC wants the shelter to be on DCC’s list to install a solar panel (as part of DCC’s current program) subject to confirmation of the details.

1. 2. War Memorial Grounds Maintenance

It was noted that the Clerk has requested a clean up of the area at the end of October. Cllr Rake will be BPC’s representative at the Remembrance Day service on 8 November.

16. Data Protection Compliance – Blackawton Community Website Data

It was resolved to delegate the Clerk authority in consultation with the Chair to finalise the service contract and the data processing contract with the website host and to sign on behalf of the Council.

17. Finance

    1. Annual Governance and Accountability Return Audit 25/26

The Notice of Conclusion of Audit and the External Auditor’s report were noted. Sections 1 and 2 of the AGAR are in accordance with Proper Practices and no matters were raised.

1. 2. Update on Current Financial Position

The Reports were received and Bank Reconciliation signed. Total balance at 30 September £73,435.87 and unearmarked general fund £33,544.88.

1. 3. Payments

It was resolved to authorise the following payments

• External Audit £250.00

• Clerk September Expenses Reimbursement £112.32

• Grounds Maintenance Cemetery Biodiversity areas cut £42.00

• Grounds Maintenance Frequent cuts 4, 15, and 30 September 2026:

Churchyard £210.00

Cemetery £342.00

• Community Defibrillator annual support agreement £198.00

Payments authorised since the last monthly meeting

• Parish Lengthsman
  To 31 March 2026 (The 25/26 end of year hours balance of was 3 hours in credit.) £264
  Two Forces Cross visibility splay cuts & Parish lengthsman work 8 September 2026 £275

1. 4. Interest Earning Account

It was resolved to open a Lloyds 35 day notice account as a temporary measure, because the interest is comparatively low, and to deposit earmarked reserves. Notice to then be given that funds will be withdrawn. The November meeting to receive a report on interest earning account options.

1. 5. Replacement for the use of the Clerk’s Personal Credit Card

It was agreed to implement the proposals in the Report.

18. Correspondence

The following invitation was noted:

• Invitation to webinar about setting up green heat networks, 13/10/26, 7:00-8.30 pm. Hosted Carbon Copy

19. Next Meeting

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

20. Closure of the Meeting

It was resolved, in accordance with the 1960 Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act, to exclude the public and press during consideration of the following item(s) because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.

21. Conservation of the Historic Entrance Gates to St Michael’s Churchyard

It was resolved to accept the middle priced quote. The blacksmith is experienced, heritage trained, and works with traditional methods and in wrought iron which are requirements for this project.

The post Draft Minutes 2026 October 12 appeared first on Blackawton.

You are hereby summoned to attend the monthly meeting of Blackawton Parish Council to be held on Monday 12 October 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Blackawton Village Hall for the purpose of transacting the following business.

a. Open Forum

i) Possible Residential Development Scheme in Blackawton

A presentation from the developer followed by an opportunity to ask questions.

ii) The Chair invites Questions from Parishioners.

b. Councillors Forum

Cllrs may raise items for attention or for future consideration.

AGENDA

1. Apologies

To receive apologies for absence.

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

To consider a decision to co-opt the applicant.

3. Declarations of Interest

To receive declarations of Members’ interests in Agenda items.

4. Minutes of Previous Meetings

To approve Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 September 2026.

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

6. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

7. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

To note the decision as follows:

• 2258/26/FUL Westdown Blackawton TQ9 7AL. General Purpose Agricultural Building. Conditional Approval.

1. 2. Review of New Applications

To consider commenting to SHDC on the following applications:

• 2529/26/HHO 2 Greenslade Road Blackawton TQ9 7BP. Demolition of conservatory with replacement extension & associated minor alterations.

• 2709/26/ARC Bow Cottage Blackawton TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 7 (Windows / Doors) & 8 (External Attachments) of planning consent 1800/25/LBC.

• 2712/26/ARC Bow Cottage Blackawton TQ9 7AH. Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 10 (Windows / Doors) & 11 (External Attachments) of planning consent 1799/25/HHO.

8. Consultations

• Consultation on Plymouth becoming a member of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority and conversion to a Mayoral Strategic Authority. Closes 28 October 2026.

• South Hams District Council. Taxi Fare Review for setting the maximum taxi fares for Hackney Carriages (the vehicles with a ‘TAXI’ roof sign). Closes 22 October 2026

• Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Community Risk Management Plan. Closes 9am on 4/1/2027.

9. French Furze Development

To receive an update.

10. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

To note the update Report.

To consider a data management contract with Community Power Solutions.

11. Blackawton Log of Traffic Collisions and Near-Collisions

To note responses received to date.

12. Blackawton Sewage Treatment Works – Request for regulatory clarification on capacity, resilience,

    To consider any BPC response now that replies have been received from Ofwat, the Environment Agency, and South West Water.

13. Blackawton Beacon

To note the Report and consider BPC’s actions.

14. Churchyard Tree Planting

To decide if BPC will now plant a crab apple (Malus) John Downie on MM106 root stock on the north side of the path from School Lane to the church.

15. Maintenance of Council Assets

    1. Woodlands Bus Shelter Flag

To consider confirming that the adhesive notice to replace the flag is acceptable.

To consider confirming that BPC wants DCC to install a solar panel as part of its current program subject to confirmation of the details.

1. 2. War Memorial Grounds Maintenance

To note that the Clerk has requested a clean up of the area at the end of October.

16. Data Protection Compliance – Blackawton Community Website Data

To consider approval of the proposed service contract and data processing contract.

17. Finance

    1. Annual Governance and Accountability Return Audit 25/26

To note the Notice of Conclusion of Audit and the External Auditor’s report

1. 2. Update on Current Financial Position

To receive Reports and sign Bank Reconciliation.

1. 3. Payments

To authorise the following payments

• External Audit £250.00

• Clerk September Expenses Reimbursement £112.32

• Grounds Maintenance Cemetery Biodiversity areas cut £42.00

• Grounds Maintenance Frequent cuts 4, 15, and 30 September 2026:

Churchyard £210.00

Cemetery £342.00

• Community Defibrillator annual support agreement £198.00

Payments authorised since the last monthly meeting

• Parish Lengthsman
  To 31 March 2026 (The 25/26 end of year hours balance of was 3 hours in credit.) £264
  Two Forces Cross visibility splay cuts & Parish lengthsman work 8 September 2026 £275

1. 4. Interest Earning Account

To consider opening Lloyds 35 and/or 95 day notice accounts, and if yes, to decide the sum(s) to deposit.

1. 5. Replacement for the use of the Clerk’s Personal Credit Card

To consider the proposals in the Report.

18. Correspondence

To note or consider:

• Invitation to webinar about setting up green heat networks, 13/10/26, 7:00-8.30 pm. Hosted Carbon Copy

19. Next Meeting

To confirm the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 9 November at 7:30 p.m.

20. Closure of the Meeting

To consider a resolution, in accordance with the 1960 Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act, to exclude the public and press during consideration of the following item(s) because of the commercial-in-confidence nature of the business.

21. Conservation of the Historic Entrance Gates to St Michael’s Churchyard

To consider the quotes received from blacksmiths.

PRESS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE VERY WELCOME TO ATTEND

Annette Thom

Parish Clerk

The post 2026 October 12 Agenda appeared first on Blackawton.

CR 2026 October 09 Website Contracts and Data Protection

Finance

BankReconciliationSummary_2026 September 30

Reserves Balances at 2026 September 30

Forecasting against the Budget from October 2026

CR 2026 October 09 Interest Earned by Reserve Funds

CR 2026 October Replace Clerk Credit Card

The post 2026 October 12 Meeting Supporting Documents appeared first on Blackawton.

External Audit – External Auditor Report 2025 26

Internal Audit Report 2025 26

Notice of Conclusion of Audit 2025 26

The post 2025 – 26 Notice of Conclusion of Audit appeared first on Blackawton.

The post Blackawton Beacon 2026 October appeared first on Blackawton.

Present: BPC Cllrs Oughton (Vice-Chair and meeting Chair), Coe, Hadow, Luckens, and Thomas were present, as were DCC Cllr Brazil for his report, Clerk A Thom, and one member of the public.

a. Open Forum

There were no questions from Parishioners.

b. Councillors Forum

Cllrs raised: an administrative matter regarding the list of meeting action items, and the maintenance needed to footpaths 18 and 19 which is addressed as an Agenda item in this meeting.

1. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

This item was moved up the Agenda at the Chair’s discretion, to allow DCC Council Brazil to leave and attend another meeting. Cllr Brazil reported on recent meetings of the DCC full Council and of the Cabinet. The Cabinet is thrilled that the most recent Ofsted monitoring letter is very supportive and encouraging. Work has been done to improve Children’s and Social Services. The Ofsted ranking is moving from good towards outstanding.

Regarding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), DCC had planned to request a judicial review of the Government’s decision because the criteria the Government set were not followed and the LGR will cost £90 million to deliver. However the Government has now decided to pause and review the process. Eight of the 21 councils going through LGR have submitted judicial review – hence the Government’s pause. DCC has paused submission of its judicial review until 13 October pending getting clarification from the Government. DCC may progress with submitting the judicial review if the Government’s response is not satisfactory. There is only a three month period after a decision in which a judicial review request can be lodged. The deadline is 16 October. DCC has asked to be reimbursed for the cost of LGR because that is extra work. It is crucial to the people of Devon that they get this right. Cllr Brazil agrees that changes would be helpful but would focus on systems and allow local councils in Devon to develop solutions. There is now a much better relationship between County and District Councils, with more collaborative team working eg on homelessness, care, care leavers.

Works to protect village of Torcross have started. DCC is waiting on the Government’s response to its bid for funds for works on the Slapton Line road.

2. Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from BPC and SHDC Cllr Rake.

3. Declarations of Interest

Cllrs agreed that they all had an interest in the Agenda item about the Wormcharming Festival’s use of the shed in the Cemetery.

4. Co-option to fill the current Vacancy for a Parish Councillor

The Clerk’s recommendation that BPC considers the possible two candidates in its 12 October meeting was approved.

5. Minutes of Previous Meetings

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

6. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

Deferred in the absence of SHDC Cllr Rake.

7. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

The decisions below were noted:

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

• 2001/26/TEX Wadstray House Blackawton TQ9 7DE. Tree Works No Objection Raised Tree Works No Objection Raised.

• 2159/26/COM Church Quillet Blackawton. Notice of intent to install electronic communication apparatus comprising one light wooden pole at 10 metres high (Ref: WH5RHF4T). Do not wish to comment.

• 2219/26/COM Near Shearstone Barn Blackawton TQ9 7DG. Notice of intent to install electronic communication apparatus comprising two x 10m light wooden poles (Ref: WH5RGH5H). Do not wish to comment.

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

1. 2. Review of New Applications

BPC considered commenting to SHDC on the following applications:

• 2151/26/HHO Pruston House Blackawton TQ9 7AJ. Upgrade conservatory, new form breakfast room, side link & rear porch.
  It was resolved that no response will be made to SHDC.

• 2258/26/FUL Westdown Blackawton TQ9 7AL. General Purpose Agricultural Building.
  It was resolved that no response will be made to SHDC.

• Full Variation application to the premises licence SHPL0295 from Punch Taverns Limited for The Seale Arms, 10 Victoria Road, Dartmouth, TQ6 9SA.
  It was resolved that no response will be made to SHDC.

The following premises licence applications were noted. They have closed to comments. No extraordinary meeting was considered necessary to comment:

• Full Variation application to the premises licence SHPL0536 from Mad Hatters Tea Room & Restaurant, on the ground floor at 10 Fairfax Place, Dartmouth, TQ6 9AD.

• New premises licence from the Henderson Seafood Limited for The Counter, Unit 5, Old Market Square, Dartmouth, TQ6 9SE

The following application is provided for BPC’s information:

• 2125/26/SCO Town Farm School Lane Blackawton TQ9 7BE. Request for EIA screening opinion for a Solar Farm. Under Consideration.

8. Consultations

• SHDC Joint Local Plan: Scoping consultation to gather views. Closes 24/9/26.
  BPC is not submitting a Council response. Cllrs may choose to comment individually.

9. French Furze Development

Cllr Thomas reported that Vistry did a site visit of the Business Units on 10 August. Vistry has produced a snagging list of 13 items to be dealt with by Vistry, including the addition of useful under-counter sockets for appliances which aren’t on the specifications. The Heras fencing around the last three units will be replaced with closed board fencing on the front and side, and over part of back to stop people getting back there. There is no delivery time-frame.

There will a public residents’ meeting in the Village Hall on 12 October.

10. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

There are interested landowners. The project is somewhat behind schedule which has been raised with Community Power Solutions. CPS and BPC are discussing a data processor contract.

11. Use of the Blackawton Cemetery Shed

The proposal to use available free space in the shed to store some Wormcharming Festival equipment was approved subject to the response from BPC‘s insurer.

12. Maintenance of Footpaths 18 and 19 in Blackawton

South Hams Ramblers’ offer to carry out the works with free labour and reimbursement of materials cost was supported subject to Devon County Council’s support. It was agreed that BPC will make use of earmarked DCC footpath maintenance grant funds for the materials expenses subject to the provision of adequate documentation and evidence (most likely based on support for payment from the DCC Public Right of Way Warden).

13. Stonemason Work completed on Churchyard Walls

The Clerk reported on the completed project.

The Clerk said that BPC requested traffic management for sequential sites and arranged Devon County Council permits with extra time if the work took longer than estimated. However there was lack of clarity and the Give and Take signage was delivered early to coincide with the permit. As a good will gesture the invoice for the extra sign hire time has been discounted, and the Clerk recommends that the remaining extra sign hire charge of £120 be paid to closes the matter without legal dispute and being mindful that because BPC was unfamiliar with this type of project they used much more administration time than would normally be expected. The invoice to arrange for the permit for Main Street works has now been received and is correct. The meeting resolved to pay the traffic management invoices as recommended by the Clerk.

The stonemason work on Park Lane took about twice as long as was anticipated. On Park Lane the stonemasons added a layer of mortar to funnel water into the drainage pipe. The stonemason has told BPC that they have retrospectively obtained approval from the consultant engineer for that change, some of the supporting documentation for the request and its approval is pending. The stonemasons removed the wall to ground level (rather than about half way down as in the specifications) in two of the three Park Lane sites in order to achieve a more robust result. Their late finishing resulted in an extra traffic management sign collection charge. It was resolved to accept the change to the specifications based on the documentation already available, to thank the stonemason for the high quality of their work, and that in recognition of the extra work done the extra traffic management fee (£80) will not be passed on to the stonemason.

The Clerk recommended that in a future similar project traffic management be arranged by the stonemason rather than the Parish Council as in this project.

14. Repointing of Lychgate Piers and Wall on Park Lane near Cousins Cross

It was confirmed that BPC will submit the necessary List B application to the Church of England, Exeter Diocese.

15. Conservation and Maintenance of Churchyard Gates

It was resolved to approve the proposals in the Report including approval of a procurement exercise and a project to request a grant from National Heritage Lottery Fund but not from Heritage England. BPC’s responsibility to maintain the northern churchyard wall, which adjoins the School and a property, and its gate will be accepted as is current practice. The meeting noted that churchyard gate maintenance is being separated into two projects: Grade II listed gates first, and then the School playground gate possibly along with repainting the Cemetery gates as a future separate project.

16. Traffic Collision Log

The log form is now available on the community website. BPC is seeking to collect information about locations in the Blackawton Parish where traffic collisions (or near collisions) happen – to identify possible road safety issues and have evidence to use when discussing concerns with Devon County Council. The official statistics available to Devon County Council use injury related collisions reported to or recorded by the Police, so they aren’t a complete record. It was agreed to provide paper copies of the log form in the Community Shop (subject to the Community Shop’s agreement), and confirmed that the log will not ask for vehicle details or contact details. Completion of the log form online is preferred and BPC will provide a QR code to access the log form on the community website.

17. Review of Data Protection Compliance

The Clerk has had a very useful session with Breakthrough Communications, who are used by Devon Association of Local Councils to answer more detailed data protection enquiries. There is a list of action items. The Clerk flagged some action items: The data minimisation principle: you should only collect the minimum personal information needed for the purpose and only share it where necessary to achieve the purpose. Surveys can use ‘just in time’ consent – with consent achieved by the person taking part in the survey. BPC needs data processor contracts with the provider of the wind turbine feasibility study and with its website host. BPC may need to change website host. Some legitimate interest legal basis assessments need to be done – including for the Beacon and for the community website.

18. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

The Reports and Bank Reconciliations at 31 July and 31 August were received. The bank balance at 31 August was £70,728.34, with an unearmarked general reserve of £20,166.85.

1. 2. Payments

It was resolved to authorise the following payments

• Clerk July & August Expenses Reimbursement £53.97

• Grounds Maintenance Frequent cuts 4 and 18 August 2026:

Churchyard £210.00

Cemetery £228.00

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

• Tree ties (12) for Rowan trees (Cllr Luckens reimbursed) £23.97

• Replacement tap for Water Butt in the Cemetery (Cllr Luckens reimbursed) £9.19

• Replacement of safety glass in Woodlands bus shelter (incl. VAT, in two equal payments) £509.52

• Churchyard Stonemason Traffic Management – Invoice #1 (under BPC Fin. Regs: 7.8 iv) £3,360.00

• Creation of the website traffic log requested by BPC £55.00

To following payments made since the last monthly meeting and authorised by BPC annually were noted:

• Grounds Maintenance Frequent cuts 7 and 21 July 2026:
  Churchyard £210.00

Cemetery £228.00

19. Insurance Claim for Cost to Replace Glass in the Bus Shelter at Woodlands

The meeting decided that BPC will make not make a claim. The potential payment would be £174.60. There is a risk that the claim would increase the annual premium.

20. Direct Debits

It was resolved to approve setting up direct debits for regular payments for: the SIM only service for Clerk’s mobile phone and for the Parish Council’s Cloud storage.

21. Website Domains

It was resolved to move BPC’s blackawtoncommunity.com domain to a new registrar. The new registrar’s data centres run on 100% renewable energy and they are a certified B Corp. The ongoing annual costs will be reduced from £72.23 to £11.99.

22. Cemetery Fees

It was noted that the annual CPI increase was implemented from 14 August and that it was overdue (due on 1 April).

23. Contracts

    1. Clerk’s Pay Award 26/27

It was noted that the 26/27 NJC Award has been agreed, and that it will be implemented in September 2026 and backpay payments made to 1 April 2026.

1. 2. Bus Shelter Cleans

It was noted that the contract with Dartmouth Town Council has not yet been renewed and DTC will advise its availability after 14 September.

24. Correspondence

The following correspondence was considered:

• Invitation from Co-editor of the Voice for councillors to attend or send short written message from the Parish Council to be read to attendees: People’s Emergency Briefing Stoke Fleming Village Hall Fri. 18/9/26 6:30 p.m.

The Clerk was asked to reply asking Stoke Fleming to please advertise that the Briefing will also be screened in Blackawton on 1 November.

25. Next Meeting

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 12 October at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting closed 20:50.

The post Approved Minutes 2026 September 14 appeared first on Blackawton.

Earmarked Reserves 2026 August 31

The post Meeting Supporting Documents 2026 September 14 appeared first on Blackawton.

You are hereby summoned to attend the monthly meeting of Blackawton Parish Council to be held on Monday 14 September 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Blackawton Village Hall for the purpose of transacting the following business.

a. Open Forum

The Chair invites Questions from Parishioners.

b. Councillors Forum

Cllrs may raise items for attention or for future consideration.

AGENDA

1. Apologies

To receive apologies for absence

2. Declarations of Interest

To receive declarations of Members’ interests in Agenda items

3. Co-option to fill the current Vacancy for a Parish Councillor

To consider approving the Clerk’s recommendation that BPC considers the possible two candidates in its 12 October meeting.

4. Minutes of Previous Meetings

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 July 2026.

5. Report from Devon County Council Councillor

6. Report from South Hams District Council Councillor

7. Planning Applications

   1. South Hams District Council’s Planning Decisions

To note the decisions as follows:

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

• 2001/26/TEX Wadstray House Blackawton TQ9 7DE. Tree Works No Objection Raised Tree Works No Objection Raised.

• 2159/26/COM Church Quillet Blackawton. Notice of intent to install electronic communication apparatus comprising one light wooden pole at 10 metres high (Ref: WH5RHF4T). Do not wish to comment.

• 2219/26/COM Near Shearstone Barn Blackawton TQ9 7DG. Notice of intent to install electronic communication apparatus comprising two x 10m light wooden poles (Ref: WH5RGH5H). Do not wish to comment.

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

1. 2. Review of New Applications

To comment to SHDC on the following applications:

• 2151/26/HHO Pruston House Blackawton TQ9 7AJ. Upgrade conservatory, new form breakfast room, side link & rear porch.

• 2258/26/FUL Westdown Blackawton TQ9 7AL. General Purpose Agricultural Building.

• Full Variation application to the premises licence SHPL0295 from Punch Taverns Limited for The Seale Arms, 10 Victoria Road, Dartmouth, TQ6 9SA.

To note the following premises licence applications. They have closed to comments. No extraordinary meeting was considered necessary to comment:

• Full Variation application to the premises licence SHPL0536 from Mad Hatters Tea Room & Restaurant, on the ground floor at 10 Fairfax Place, Dartmouth, TQ6 9AD.

• New premises licence from the Henderson Seafood Limited for The Counter, Unit 5, Old Market Square, Dartmouth, TQ6 9SE

For information:

• 2125/26/SCO Town Farm School Lane Blackawton TQ9 7BE. Request for EIA screening opinion for a Solar Farm. Under Consideration.

8. Consultations

• SHDC Joint Local Plan: Scoping consultation to gather views. Closes 24/9/26.

9. French Furze Development

To receive an update.

10. Wind Turbine Feasibility Study

To note the update Reports.

To consider a data management contract with Community Power Solutions.

11. Use of the Blackawton Cemetery Shed

To consider the proposal to use the shed to store some Wormcharming Festival equipment.

12. Maintenance of Footpaths 18 and 19 in Blackawton

To consider South Hams Ramblers offer to carry out works for free labour and reimbursement for materials cost.

13. Stonemason Work completed on Churchyard Walls

To receive a report on the project.

To consider the invoices for Traffic Management and Stonemasonry.

14. Repointing of Lychgate Piers and Wall on Park Lane near Cousins Cross

To confirm that BPC will submit the necessary List B application to the Church of England, Exeter Diocese.

15. Conservation and Maintenance of Churchyard Gates

To consider the proposal including approval of a procurement exercise and a project to request a grant from National Heritage Lottery Fund but not Heritage England.

16. Traffic Collision Log

To note there is a log form on the website. To consider provision of paper copies in the Community Shop and whether adding the collection of vehicle details and contact details is required for the log’s purpose.

17. Review of Data Protection Compliance

To receive an update and consider the action items.

18. Finance

    1. Update on Current Financial Position

To receive Reports and Bank Reconciliations at 31 July and 31 August.

1. 2. Payments

To authorise the following payments

• Clerk July & August Expenses Reimbursement £53.97

• Grounds Maintenance Frequent cuts 4 and 18 August 2026:

Churchyard £210.00

Cemetery £228.00

Payments authorised since the last monthly meeting

• Tree ties (12) for Rowan trees (Cllr Luckens reimbursed) £23.97

• Replacement tap for Water Butt in the Cemetery (Cllr Luckens reimbursed) £9.19

• Replacement of safety glass in Woodlands bus shelter (Incl. VAT, in two equal payments) £509.52

• Churchyard Stonemason Traffic Management – Invoice #1 (under BPC Fin. Regs: 7.8 iv) £3,360.00

• Creation of website traffic log requested by BPC £55.00

Payments made since the last monthly meeting authorised by BPC annually

• Grounds Maintenance Frequent cuts 7 and 21 July 2026:
  Churchyard £210.00

Cemetery £228.00

19. Insurance Claim for Cost to Replace Glass in the Bus Shelter at Woodlands

To decide if BPC will make a claim.

20. Direct Debits

To approve setting up direct debits for regular payments for: the SIM only service for Clerk’s mobile phone and for the Parish Council’s Cloud storage.

21. Website Domains

To consider approving the proposal to move the blackawtoncommunity.com domain to a new registrar.

22. Cemetery Fees

To note that the annual CPI increase was implemented from 14 August and that it was due on 1 April.

23. Contracts

    1. Clerk’s Pay Award 26/27

To note that the 26/27 NJC Award has been agreed and will be implemented in September 2026 and back pay payments made to 1 April 2026.

1. 2. Bus Shelter Cleans

To note that the contract with Dartmouth Town Council has not yet been renewed and DTC will advise its availability after 14 September.

24. Correspondence

To note or consider:

• Invitation from Co-editor of the Voice for councillors to attend or send short written message from the Parish Council to be read to attendees: People’s Emergency Briefing Stoke Fleming Village Hall Fri. 18/9/26 6:30 p.m.

25. Next Meeting

To confirm the next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Monday 12 October at 7:30 p.m.

PRESS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE VERY WELCOME TO ATTEND

Annette Thom

Parish Clerk

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