Heanton Punchardon Parish Council

 Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting 17^th June 2025

The Royal British Legion Hall, Wrafton

Present: Cllrs S Crowther, C Andrews, E Bond, M France, L Gilkes, G Millett, and G Norman

ln Attendance: Mrs Jane Mills Parish Clerk, County Cllr G Bell and District Cllr R Knight,

1 Member of the public

2506/47        Apologies 

          Apologies were received from Cllr Turner

2506/48        Declarations of  Interest

                     There were no declarations of interest.

2506/49        To agree the agenda as published

                                  It was resolved to agree the agenda as published

                                  Proposed: Cllr Crowther Seconded: Cllr Andrews (all in favour)

2506/50        To confirm and sign the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held

                                   20^th May 2025

It was resolved to confirm and sign the Minutes of the Annual Parish Council        

                      Meeting held on 20^th May

                                  Proposed: Cllr Andrews Seconded: Cllr Norman (all in favour)

2506/51        County Councillor Report

The County Councillor report is attached, in addition he advised that some cabinet posts have been expanded, Budget will be looked at on 23^rd June.

B Telecom will be doing repairs to the A361 and this will involve some overnight road closures. He is working on banning smart phones in schools and advised on the importance of a “smartphone free childhood”. He was asked to check on S106 monies regarding the Landings Crossing.

2506/52        District Councillor Report

The District Councillor reported on the massive build on Chivenor base, which it appears is permitted development and as such apparently, there is no need to advise neighbouring councils. He has also been in communication with planning and other departments regarding the issues regarding the air bnb ay Poyers. He has also reported about graffiti and understands that overgrowth has now been removed. The day after the meeting he will be attending a planning site visit to Chivenor Cross. He asked Members to view the video on air quality on “lets talk North Devon” and respond to the survey.

         2506/53        Public Participation 

          No members of the public wished to speak

2506/54         Chairman’s discretion (items for discussion brought forward by Members, for consideration on a future agenda)      There were no items

 2506/55        To consider Finance Matters (herewith)

1. Payment of Invoices

June	Mrs Mills	EM bacs	41.15	41.15
June	HMRC		17.4			17.4
June	Mrs Mills		221.9	39.5	182.4
June	C Wallis	bacs	350				350

 reconciliation and current budget situation

It was resolved to accept the invoices for payment and bank reconciliation and  current budget information

Proposed: Cllr: Bond Seconded: Cllr Millett (all in favour)

2506/56        To receive a verbal update on bus shelters

Members were advised that 4 bus shelters will be replaced by Fernbank and the Council has been offered an agreement which secures the shelters for the Council in the unlikely event that Fernbank ceased trading

                     It was resolved to accept the agreement.

           Proposed: Cllr: Crowther Seconded: Cllr Norman (all in favour)      Action Point: Forward signed contract

 2506/57        To consider Planning Matters

1. To consider application 80182

                       Land South of Buttercombe Lane Braunton EX33 2FF

Construction, operation and subsequent decommissioning of a solar farm,    comprising ground mounted solar photovoltaics (PV) together with associated infrastructure, including inverters, transformers, substation, cabling, CCTV, fencing, access and landscaping

                      Full Application                      Members agreed to circulate their views, before formulating a response

1. To consider application 80342

Highfield Road From Heanton Square To Eastacombe Cross Heanton EX31 4DQ

Alterations and extension to dwelling to include raising of roof to provide additional accommodation at first floor level

Full Application

          It was resolved to recommend approval

           Proposed: Cllr: Bond Seconded: Cllr Andrews (all in favour)

1. c) Status of Chivenor Cross development: Community Hub and road surfacing                  No further information

 2506/58      To consider

1. a) Provision of Allotments, no further information
2. b) P3, ongoing
3. c) Community Emergency Plan, ongoing
4. d) Councillor Advocate Scheme, Cllr Millett attending a meeting shortly
5.           e)  Update on Hart Manor signage (Cllr Turner) Cllr Turner not present
6. f) Ramp at pump track dependent on P3 funding

2506/59        To consider Action Points

                    Action Points were noted

 2506/60        To confirm the date of the next meeting

                    Noted, Tuesday 15^th July

 

                   

           There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.54 pm

 

         

 

 

Signed  Chairman ………………………………………………… Date ……………..………….

 

 

 

 

Heanton Punchardon Parish Council

 Parish Clerk: Mrs Jane Mills, BA (Hons) FSLCC

To: Councillors S Crowther (Chair), C Andrews, E Bond, M France, L Gilkes, G Millett, G Norman and J Turner

You are hereby summoned to attend a Meeting of Heanton Punchardon Parish Council which will be held on Tuesday 17th June 2025 at 7.00pm, at The Royal British Legion Hall, Wrafton for the purpose of transacting the following business. 

In accordance with The Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960 members of the public are welcome to attend.

M J Mills

Mrs Jane Mills BA (Hons) FSLCC

Parish Clerk                                                                                                      Date of issue: 11^th June 2025

AGENDA

1         Apologies 

(Please make any apologies known to the Clerk by email before 5pm on the day of the meeting)

2          Declarations of interest 

To receive declarations of personal interests and disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) in respect of items on this agenda. Members are reminded that all interests should be declared at the beginning of the meeting and prior to the item being discussed.

3          To agree the agenda as published

4          To confirm and sign the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held

                           20^th May 2025 (herewith)

5          County Councillor Report

           To receive a report from the County Councillor

6          District Councillor Report 

           To receive a report from the District Councillor

7          Public Participation 

In accordance with Standing Order 3 (f) members of the public are permitted to make representations and ask questions, the period set aside shall not exceed 15 minutes. It should be noted that answers will generally not be given at the meeting where the questions are delivered, each member of the public is entitled to speak once

8          Chairman’s discretion (items for discussion brought forward by Members, for consideration on a future agenda)

  9          To consider Finance Matters (herewith)

1. a) Payment of Invoices
2. b) Bank reconciliation and current budget situation

10        To receive a verbal update on bus shelters

 11        To consider Planning Matters

a)To consider application 80182 

             Land South of Buttercombe Lane Braunton EX33 2FF

 Construction, operation and subsequent decommissioning of a solar farm, comprising ground mounted solar photovoltaics (PV) together with associated infrastructure, including inverters, transformers, substation, cabling, CCTV, fencing, access and landscaping            Full Application

1. b) To consider application 80342

Highfield Road From Heanton Square To Eastacombe Cross Heanton EX31 4DQ Alterations and extension to dwelling to include raising of roof to provide additional accommodation at first floor level

Full Application

1. c) Status of Chivenor Cross development: Community Hub and road surfacing

 12      To consider

1. a) Provision of Allotments
2. b) P3
3. c) Community Emergency Plan
4. d) Councillor Advocate Scheme
5. e)  Update on Hart Manor signage (Cllr Turner)
6. f) Ramp at pump track

13        To consider Action Points (herewith)

 14        To confirm the date of the next meeting

            Proposed Tuesday 15^th July

 

Heanton Punchardon Parish Council

 Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting 20^th May 2025

The Royal British Legion Hall, Wrafton

Present: Cllrs S Crowther, C Andrews, E Bond, M France, L Gilkes, G Millett, G Norman and J Turner

ln Attendance: Mrs Jane Mills Parish Clerk,  County Cllr G Bell and District Cllr R Knight,

2505/19        Election of Chairman for 2025/26

                    It was resolved to elect Cllr Crowther as Chairman for 2025/26

                    Proposed: Cllr Turner, seconded: Cllr Norman, (all in favour)

2505/20        Declaration of Acceptance of Office

                    Cllr Crowther read and signed the prescribed Declaration of Office

2505/21        Election of Vice-Chairman for 2025/26

                    It was resolved to elect Cllr Turner as Vice-Chairman for 2025/26

                    Proposed: Cllr Crowther, seconded: Cllr Bond, (all in favour)

2505/22        Apologies           All Members were present

2505/23        Declarations of  Interest                     There were no declarations of interest.

2505/24        To agree the agenda as published,    It was resolved to agree the agenda as published

                      Proposed: Cllr Norman, seconded: Cllr Millett, (all in favour).

2505/25        To confirm and sign the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held 15^th    

            April 2025 It was resolved to confirm and sign the minutes of the Meeting of 15^th   2025

           Proposed: Cllr Bond, seconded: Cllr Andrews (all in favour)

2505/26        Public Participation           No members of the public wished to speak

2505/27        County Councillor Report

The new County Cllr was welcomed to the meeting. He advised he will attend all meetings when he can, but he also works as an intensive care nurse. Please send him any questions by the 25^th of the month. He will send out a monthly report. His group is the lead party, whilst not having a majority. They will collaborate with all parties, and appointments will be pro-rata. The A361 roadworks are being reviewed and scrutinised with Highways. The crossing should go ahead as soon as possible.

He also spoke about possible proposals for unitary authorities. There are projects in hand for white lining. He was asked to support the one-way system for Heanton Hill Lane.

2505/28        District Councillor Report

Cllr Knight advised that he is on both planning and HATOC. He confirmed that the Whitecross application was approved, it was most contentious, but officers had advised that voting against could prove very costly to defend because of its complexity. The NDC lottery has proved successful and £35,000 has been given out in grants to worthy causes.
The Leader and Deputy had both been re-elected. He recommended visiting the “have your say” North Devon website

2505/29        Review of Standing Orders

It was resolved to accept the amended Standing Orders

           Proposed: Cllr Crowther, seconded: Cllr Norman (all in favour)

2505/30          Review of Financial Regulations

It was resolved to accept the revised Financial Regulations

           Proposed: Cllr Bond, seconded: Cllr Andrews (all in favour)

2505/31          Members’ Code of Conduct  (agreed at April 2025)

                        It was agreed to note the Code of Conduct as previously agreed

2505/32          Assets Register

It was resolved that an asset audit would be performed, aligned with the Parish Online register and this will be followed by a review of insurance. Insurance renewal at the current level will continue at present.

           Proposed: Cllr Crowther, seconded: Cllr Norman (all in favour)

           Action Point: Update Parish Online and audit assets, and review insurance

2505/33        Delegation Review

It was agreed to continue with this scheme (planning, agreed 2025)

2505/34        Review of policies and adopt  (herewith)

• Freedom of Information (Reviewed 15/4/2025)
• Data Protection (herewith)
• General and Financial Risk Assessment (reviewed 15/4/2025)
• Internal Control (reviewed 15/4/2025)
• Complaints Procedure (herewith)

It was resolved to note previously agreed policies and adopt the others

           Proposed: Cllr Crowther, seconded: Cllr Bond (all in favour)

2505/35        Calendar of Meetings

                    It was resolved to accept the proposed calendar of meetings

          Proposed: Cllr Andrews, seconded: Cllr Bond (all in favour)

2505/36        Renewal of Insurance

                    See Minute 2505/32

2505/37        To reconfirm adoption of the General Power of Competence

                    It was resolved to reconfirm adoption of the General Power of Competence

           Proposed: Cllr Bond, seconded: Cllr Andrews (all in favour)

2505/38        Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2024/2025

To receive the Internal Auditor’s Report and agree the Annual Governance

 Statement 2024/2025

      It was resolved to accept the Internal Auditor’s Report and agree the Annual

      Governance Statement

      Proposed: Cllr Bond, seconded: Cllr Millett (all in favour)

2505/39        To agree the Accounting Statements for 2024/2025

                     It was resolved to agree the Accounting Statements for 2024/2025

      Proposed: Cllr Bond, seconded: Cllr Andrews (all in favour)

2505/40        To agree to Certify that Heanton and Punchardon Parish Council is Exempt

 from a limited Assurance Review as gross income and expenditure is

 under £25,000.

It was resolved to certify that Heanton and Punchardon Parish Council is   Exempt from a limited Assurance Review as gross income and expenditure is

 under £25,000.

      Proposed: Cllr Crowther, seconded: Cllr France (all in favour)

       Action Point: Submit Exemption Certificate to External Auditor

2505/41        Payment and Receipts

                     It was resolved to approve payments and receipts

May	C Andrews	400
May	J Snooks	110
May	DALC	670.15
May	A Luxton	99
May	HMRC	34.2
May	Mrs Mills	292.55
May	Lloyds	5.75
		3362.93

Proposed: Cllr Norman, seconded: Cllr Millett (all in favour)

Action Point: Pay invoices

2505/42        To consider the Councils policy on criminal damage to Council property.

It was agreed that Members will advise the Clerk of any criminal damage in the Council area, this will be collated on a weekly basis and submitted to Devon and Cornwall Police. The Council will also request crime reports.

The Clerk will seek information on renewing the bus shelters.

Action Point: Seek information on bus shelter renewal options

2505/43      To consider possible non-notified development in the Parish.

                   There appears to be a significant development on the base at Chivenor,

                   Members asked if there had been a  planning application received.

                   The District Councillor will make enquiries and also the Clerk

                   Action Point: seek information from planning.

2505/44        To consider

                     a) Provision of Allotments nothing further to report

                     b) P3, Survey has been completed by Cllr Turner and will be forwarded to the P3 co-ordinator

                    c) Community Emergency Plan in progress

d) Councillor Advocate Scheme The Cllr Advocate gave a brief update on policing hot spots and additional staff being employed

e)  Update on Hart Manor signage (Cllr Turner) signage has been agreed and will be installed shortly

                    f) Ramp at pump track nothing further at present

2505/45        To consider Action Points (there were none from the last meeting)

2505/46        To confirm the date of the next meeting

                    The next meeting is scheduled for 17^th June

.

           There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20 pm

Signed  Chairman ………………………………………………… Date ……………..………….