Parish Council Draft Minutes May 2025
DRAFT MINUTES
Annual Belstone PC Meeting on 19th May 2025 at 7:30 p.m. (Belstone Village Hall)
Councillors present – M Ash (Chair), P Cooper, T Weaver, D Hosegood, C Grubb and
J Stevens (co-opted during the meeting).
Apologies for absence 25264
Cllr Booth
Disclosure of Interests 25265
None
Co-option of new Councilor 2526(CO)
Jackie Stevens was voted in via the co-option process as a new Councillor
Election of Officers and representation of other bodies 25266
The following officers and representatives were agreed:
Chair – M Ash
Vice Chair – P Cooper
Village Hall representative – D Hosegood
Sticklepath and Belstone School Trust representative – P Cooper
Greener Belstone representative – T Weaver
Commoner’s representatives – M Ash / P Cooper
Approval of last Minutes 17/3/25 & 28/4/25 25267
Both approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record
Public Participation 25268
None
Borough & County Reports 25269
None. It was noted that we await formal confirmation of our new DCC representative
Chairman’s Announcements 252610
The Chair noted the deterioration of the Jubilee tree plaque, but no action is to be taken
Clerk’s Announcements 252611
1) In addition to the notice of closure of the road between Skaigh Lodge to Ladywell, Sticklepath between 7th & 11th July for a sewer connection, a further notice has been received for the exact same stretch of road between 22nd and 23rd September for cattle grid works
2) Advice received that upon the recent excursion to the village of “Frank’s Flakes” ice cream van, they were allegedly advised that the Parish Council would object to their presence although the PC had no prior knowledge nor expressed any prior opinion. DECISION – Clerk to write to Frank’s Flakes to clarify the position.
Planning Matters 252612
A. Applications – none
B. Decisions –
Skaigh Garden Cottage 0034/25 Awaited
Town Living 0041/25 Awaited
Eastlake 0058/25 Awaited
Stoneycott 0078/25 Granted conditionally
Beacon View 0135/25 Awaited
Highways 252613
A. Update re HGVs, narrowing lanes and potholes
Highways have ordered new camp signage for the east bound A30 exit. It is now believed that the wrong gate has been replaced rather than that at Tor Down. The pothole repair outside of Brenamoor was declined on grounds that it did not meet the criteria for action and the side ploughing of the road along that same stretch will be put on a to-do list but Highways are not hopeful for action this financial year. DECISION – Clerk to follow up
B. Other
Correspondence received from a Parishioner expressing concern of the danger to vehicles in Skaigh Lane due to the narrow lane and falling rocks near Windy Ridge / Eriskaigh. DECISION – it was agreed that this should again be referred to Highways as an unsatisfactory matter to seek resolution.
The recent draining of the reservoir by SWWA that resulted in an unmanageable volume of water flowing through the village drains that in turn lead to leaking pipes and flooding was debated and concluded as an unsatisfactory position. DECISION – Clerk to liaise with the residents impacted who have expressed concern and write to SWWA / Highways accordingly
Concern was expressed at the recent placement of rocks on the left-hand side of the road down from Beacon View and the impact on available parking / vehicle damage they could cause. DECISION – Councillors to liaise locally to address this issue
Parking – review 252614
Resident’s priority parking in the right-hand section of village car park has been referred to the Lord of the Manor with a response re-stating a preference for no further signage. DECISION – an invite is to be extended to the Lord of the Manor to attend our next meeting to allow opportunity for face-to-face discussion for those wishing to address these matters.
Finance 252615
A. Balances (as at 7/5) – current £2,448.28 / savings £5,145.36 (paying 0.8% gross)
B. Income –Precept £1,990.50 / VAT refund £72.36 / interest £8.17
C. Paid – Village Hall £50 & £45 re usage and website / Date Protection fee £47 / Charges £8.50
D. To be paid – DALC annual sub £100+VaT / C Walpole internal audit £25 / Insurance renewal
E. Review year end returns and internal auditor report
It was agreed to transfer £1,500 to our savings account. All payments to be made were agreed with a 3-year fixed insurance renewal to be taken forward should no cheaper acceptable quote be received. All financial year-end returns were agreed by the Council and signed by the Chair.
Request for funding – Okehampton District Community Transport Group 252616
A £50 donation was authorised
Documentation review 252617
A. Risk Register
The register was agreed by the Council and signed by the Chair
Assets 252618
A. Stocks repair – update
B. Seats – request received for repair and dedication / general condition – update
Stocks – new oak for the stocks has been prepared and is now ready for fitting
Seats – the Council gratefully welcomed the offer from a resident to pay for repairs to the damaged seat on the green and to dedicate such to Stella Hudson. DECISION – Clerk to advise the resident to liaise with Cllr Cooper in terms of the wood already sourced.
West Devon Matters invite – feedback from 23rd April 252619
Attendance not possible due to personal circumstances – no feedback
Feedback from Community Cafes 252620
No feedback at present
Items for next Agenda 252621
None additional
The meeting closed at 20:45. The next meeting will be Monday 7th July at 19:30
Signed, Michael Ash, Chair 7/7/2025