Parish Council Draft Minutes 12/1/26

Draft MINUTES

Parish Council meeting on 12th January 2026 at 7:30 p.m. (Belstone Village Hall)
Councillors present: M Ash (Chair), T Weaver, D Hosegood, C Grubb & J Stevens
Others present: None

At the Chairman’s request, the meeting commenced with a standing silence in memory of Peter Hammond

Apologies for absence 252671
Councillors Booth & Cooper

Disclosure of Interests 252672
None

Approval of last Minutes 10/11/2025 252673
Approved by the Council and signed by the Chair as a correct record

Public Participation 252674
None

Borough & County Reports 252675
None

Chairman’s announcements 252676
Following concern raised by a Parishioner regarding the road diversions when leaving Okehampton back to Belstone, it was noted that such diversion had now been amended to avoid the longer route along the A30

Clerk’s announcements (to include Brenamoor flooding and pony signage) 252677
Brenamoor flooding – following a Parishioner’s query regarding recent flooding off the Common along Skaigh Lane, a visit was arranged with the Highway’s officer who confirmed that the maintenance of ditches and gullies on Brenamoor were the responsibility of the landowner i.e. The Lord of the Manor. Feedback since provided.

Pony signage – a “please don’t feed the ponies” sign has now been delivered by DNPA and will be suitably positioned in the car park directly.

Blinding signage – following comments received that our “please use the car park sign” can be blinding when driving in the dark with full headlights, our Highway’s officer has advised that it has the correct “reflectivity” but mother nature in time will naturally dull the reflection suggesting a dipped beam for now.

Planning Matters 252678
A. Applications – none
B. Decisions –
Lower Hobey works to trees only – 25/0099 – granted
Tor View – works to trees only – 25/0103 – granted
Pear Tree Cottage 0335/25 – granted
Town Living 0041/25 Awaited
Eastlake 0058/25 Awaited

All noted. Concerns were raised at the length of time both Town Living and Eastlake applications had remained current and the impact this may have on both applicants and parishioners. DECISION – Clerk to contact DNPA to express such concern to seek resolution and a way forward

Highways 252679 – general update to include HGV signage
New HGV sign for Tongue End – posts and HGV sign have been received although the company have delivered the wrong size of sign in error – now in course of replacement

Skaigh Lane closure – having chased our Highways Officer, a way forward continues to be reviewed. Whilst they believe that a main sewer runs close by that could be the cause, there are no recorded drainage assets in the area and therefore at this stage it is likely that ground water erosion is the culprit. We have again requested this matter be treated as a priority.

Flooding by Whitehouse services – Highways to be reminded to ensure the drains here are regularly cleared due to recurring and sometimes extensive flooding on this 60 mph stretch

Grit bins – are to be checked throughout the village to ensure all remain suitably full. Highways to be reminded to review also. It was noted that the grit bin outside the church had available grit but was also an unpleasant home for many dog poo bags (to be removed)

Slow sign road markings – we await confirmation of when our slow marking throughout the village will be painted within the 26/27 budget year

Tongue End junction lines – it was noted that the white junction markers at the junction from Corscombe Lane at Tongue End were dangerously eroded and need remarking as a matter of urgency – Highways to be advised.

Parking 252680 – general update to include resident’s signage
The new “Belstone Residents only” parking sign remains with Cllr Cooper to position directly.

The number of vans parking in the village, some actually on Post Office green, were noted albeit no solution evident at this stage

Village partners (Commoners / Village Hall) – updates 252681
Commoners update – we were advised that the Brenamoor flooding situation is on the agenda for the next Commoners meeting to be held 29/1

Village Hall update – we were advised that Sharon Cooper will shortly be taking over the role of Hall Manager

Finance 252682
A. Finalise 26/27 budget & precept (suggested at 2% increase i.e. £4,060)
B. Balances (as at 31/12/25) – current £65.74 / savings £8,425.29 (paying 0.6% gross)
C. Income – Interest £7.52
D. Paid – Cllr Booth £159 (stocks) / £24.41 (parking sign) / £265.68 (HGV sign) / £8.50 Bank charges
E. To be paid – Belstone Community Website hosting fee £50
F. Request for donation to Church – update

Positions noted with agreement to accept the 26/27 budget as final to include a precept of £4,060. The payment of £50 to the Village Hall was agreed. No further update on the Church request but expected by our next meeting.

Documentation review 252683
A. Agree diary and meeting dates for 26/27 financial year
B. Review of Standing Orders
C. General review of Policies and renewal dates

Diary matters and diary dates agreed (latter as now published on the webpage). Updated Standing Orders agreed as drafted and signed by the Chair. Agreement to keep all existing policies which are to be reviewed when due / periodically throughout the year.

Assets 252684 – general update to include seats and ownership of new HGV sign
No seats update. The HGV sign has been insured (no fee) and now included within our Assets Register

Any additional items for next Agenda 252685
None for now

The meeting finished at 08:10 pm. Our next meeting will be Monday 16th March at 07:30 pm.