Heanton Punchardon Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting 16th September 2025
Held at The Royal British Legion Hall, Wrafton
Present: Cllrs S Crowther, (Chair), 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,
5 Members of the public
2509/76 Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr Andrews,
2509/77 Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
2509/78 To agree the agenda as published
It was resolved to agree the agenda as published
Proposed: Cllr Norman, Seconded: Cllr Bond (all in favour)
2509/79 To confirm and sign the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held 15th July 2025
It was resolved to confirm and sign the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 15th July 2025
Proposed: Cllr Gilkes Seconded: Cllr Bond (all in favour)
2509/80 County Councillor Report
The County Councillor’s report had been circulated previously, but he added that the light on the traffic island by the Williams Arms had been repaired.
Installation of a crossing is in the planned upgrade of the A361.
2509/81 District Councillor Report
Cllr Knight advised that the lack of response from NDDC regarding Crown Estates and Planning was due to the work being done on LGR. The Parish Forum date has been re-arranged, topics will be LGR, Code of conduct, and planning enforcement. Tinever Rd should be resurfaced by the end of November.
Waste and recycling has been very successful, he was unaware of any collection problems and the new baler was working well. He advised contacting Customer Services to request a regular copy of the Environment and Enhancement bulletin.
2509/82 Public Participation
Some members of the public wished to speak:
Issues raised included the beech hedge initially planted in Barn Park, which has now grown into significantly tall trees, causing problems to neighbouring properties. The Council will contact the Environment Agency again to check on how this will be dealt with.
A further issue was highlighted about a planning issue on land at Tarka Way, where the owner of some land has created a garden and has now been requested by planning to apply for retrospective permission. Members will consider the issue when a planning application is received.
Page 15
2509/83 Chairman’s discretion (items for discussion brought forward by Members, for consideration on a future agenda)
No items were brought forward.
2509/84 To consider Finance Matters
- Payment of invoices
- Bank reconciliation and budget information
|
August |
Mrs Mills |
bacs |
257.22 |
|
August |
Lloyds |
bacs |
4.25 |
|
August |
HMRC |
bacs |
29.2 |
|
August |
C Wallis |
bacs |
320 |
|
|
|
|
5765.98 |
|
Sept |
Mrs Mills |
bacs |
227.06 |
|
Sept |
HMRC |
bacs |
18.6 |
|
|
|
|
6011.64 |
Further pyt Beachcroft re ins claim £8.94
It was resolved to accept the invoices for payment and bank reconciliation and current budget information was noted
Proposed: Cllr: Crowther, Seconded: Cllr Bond (all in favour)
2509/85 To receive a report on Assertion 10 (SAPPP 2025) (herewith)
This matter was discussed and was deferred to the next meeting, where information will be considered as to whether the current website can be made compliant or an alternative is required. There will be a further discussion on emails (.gov.uk)
2509/86 To consider any projects or expenditure that may require inclusion in the Budget.
Members had no matters to put forward.
2509/87 To consider Planning Matters
Application 80681 (Neighbouring Parish)
Application for permission in principle for the development of 9 dwellings for social/local connection rental purposes Link https://planning.northdevon.gov.uk/Planning/Display/80681
It was resolved to support the application as there is a need for social housing
Proposed: Cllr: Turner, Seconded: Cllr Bond (majority in favour)
Application 80778 (Neighbouring Parish)
Siting of 1no. externally illuminated garden centre fascia sign, 1no. post mounted and 1no. fence mounted non- illuminated signs at St Johns Garden Centre Strand Lane Ashford Barnstaple Devon EX31 4BW
Members had no comments
Page 16
Members noted that the following applications have all been dealt with through
delegated planning
- 76942/50
- 80623
- 80657
- 80422
- 80581
2509/88 To consider
- a) Provision of Allotments: ongoing
- b) P3: ongoing
- c) Community Emergency Plan: ongoing
- d) Councillor Advocate Scheme: report had been circulated to Members
- e) Ramp at pump track: ongoing
- f) Bus shelter update: all new shelters in place, contact to be made with cleaners.
2509/89 To consider Action Points
Action Points were noted
2509/90 To confirm the date of the next meeting
Proposed Tuesday 21st October 2025
Part B – Exclusion of the Press and Public
2509/91 It was resolved that, under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item(s) of business as they involve the likely disclosure of confidential information. Proposed: Cllr: Crowther, Seconded: Cllr Turner (all in favour)
2509/92 To consider staff matters
Noted: That the Council acknowledges the nationally agreed salary scale increase as negotiated by the relevant union, and approves the implementation of this increase for eligible staff. It is resolved that outstanding holiday entitlement payments be made in accordance with contractual terms.
Proposed: Cllr: Gilkes, Seconded: Cllr Norman (all in favour)
2509/93 To resolve to admit the press and public
Proposed: Cllr: Crowther, Seconded: Cllr Turner(all in favour)
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8pm
Signed Chairman ………………………………………………… Date ……………..………….