Parish Council Draft Minutes September 2026
Draft MINUTES
Parish Council meeting on 7th Sept 2026 at 7:30 p.m. (Belstone Village Hall)
Councillors present: M Ash (Chair), P Cooper (VC), D Hosegood, C Grubb and J Stevens
Also present: – Sue Davies (DCC), 1 member of the public and Jon Pike (Parish Clerk)
Apologies for absence 262738
Councillors Weaver & Booth
Disclosure of Interests 262739
Councillor Grubb – item 262747 re Residents parking / Councillor Cooper – item 262745 re Tenacity Cottage
Approval of last Minutes 6/7/26 and 27/7/26 262740
Approved by the Council and signed by the Chair as a correct record
Public Participation 262741
None
Borough & County Reports (if any) 262742. Links here – DCC Sept report WDBC Sept report
Councillor Davies highlighted her concerns over the sometimes-misleading nature of recent road closure signs and reminded the Council of both the Carers in Devon service and the Crisis and Resilience fund. In addition, the Council were grateful to Cllr Davies for offering to consider a matched-funding arrangement (50/50) for the new Parish Council noticeboard
Chairman’s announcements 262743
None
Clerk’s announcements & correspondence 262744
Following the withdrawal of permission to replace our current noticeboard in the same location, consideration was given to a new position. It was decided that the matter needed careful thought with a central location favored – perhaps around the Pound area or the stretch of verge leading down from Beacon View. Planning permission would not be required providing the board didn’t exceed 1.55 sqm but the Council noted we would most likely need to seek the permission of the Lord of the Manor. Initial quotes are coming in at around £1,500 – £2,000 plus VAT with consideration to be given to fund raising, matched-funding (as above) and part-inclusion in our 27/28 precept.
We have received a request from the family of Victoria Scott-Lawson to position a village bench in her memory. The Council were pleased to accommodate this request with a couple of locations available which the Clerk will clarify and take arrangements forward.
Planning Matters 262745
A. Applications – none
B. Decisions – (Tor View 0227/26 – since approved)
C. Other – Tenacity Cottage – update
DNPA Planning Officer has advised that the works are such that it appears permission should have been sought due to the volume of material removed and the considerable increase in access size. A meeting is to be arranged.
Highways 262746 – general update
Request for Skaigh Lane designation as a “quiet lane”. This matter was discussed at some length with the conclusion not to take matters forward due to concerns over actual need, legislation, cost, nature & volume of signage required as well as likelihood of the lane being de-prioritised further for routine maintenance (a concern also highlighted in emails received by 2 residents following the publishing of the agenda). Advice on this matter had also been sought from our Highways Officer who later advised that these schemes tend to be avoided as studies have shown that speeds are often unaffected with terminal and repeater signs creating “street clutter” to spoil rural character.
We have also received official notification from Highways of overnight improvement works in Okehampton effecting Exeter Rd and the road past Fatherford Farm between 14th and 24th September. Full details here
Parking 262747 – general update including Residents parking sales details
Sales particulars detailing residents parking – we are advised that the sales agent was duly requested to make amendment to the marketing material to ensure the parking area concerned was not attached or specifically associated with the subject property.
We were advised of concerns of a worsening position (especially since the solar eclipse) for general poor parking on the road to Watchet Hill and that such parking had caused restricted / blocked access to the moor gate. In addition, we were advised by the member of the public present that a knock-on effect has been the use of the area of common land there for toileting, causing distress to neighboring residents. On this same subject, we are also advised that the area of common land behind the village car park, “sign-posted” by the relatively new stepping-stones, has also been used for toileting. As a result and given the ownership of the land in question, Belstone Commoners (as well as DNPA) are to be advised of these issues to see what preventative action can be suggested and taken.
It was also mentioned that the signage kindly provided by the pub to seek to prevent parking on the verge by the Great Green may need repair.
Finance 262748
o Balances (as at 26/8/26) – current £7.26 / savings £9,355.29 (paying 0.5% gross)
o Income – Donation towards seat repair £144 / Interest £7.94
o Paid – Clerks wages (Q1 to 30/6) £604.98 / RGB £144 (wood for seat repair) / Bank charges £8.50
o To be paid – Clerks wages (Q2 to 30/9) £654.14
All positions were duly noted and approved
Village partners – updates if any 262749
o Increase in Meeting Room rental charge from £45 to £84
o Church Walks leaflet
Noted. We thank the Church for sending us a copy of their new Belstone Walks leaflet which we note is now for sale in the Church. It was suggested that it would be helpful (especially given the issues highlighted above) if it could be highlighted that resultant visitors and walkers use the village car park an that the Church toilet was available to the public.
Documentation review 262750
o Grant Giving Policy
Noted, approved & signed
Assets 262751
o Damaged George V seat – repair arrangements following tree damage
With thanks to the owners of Taikoo to cover the cost, we now have purchased the new slats for the repair. Councillor Cooper has kindly agreed to reconstruct the seat and will source the necessary bolts and screws.
Any items for next meeting 9th Nov 2026 262752
o Half year budget review
o Draft 27/28 budget review
o Parking issues opposite Whitehouse Services
The meeting ended at 8:40 pm. The next meeting will be Nov 9th 2026 at 7:30 pm