WESTLEIGH PARISH
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Westleigh Parish Council Meeting Minutes

Wednesday 10th April 2024, 5.30pm at Westleigh Village Hall

Attendees – Cllrs Dave Fairbrother, Colin Frajbis, Lyn Gear & Lesley Burgess, DCCllr Frank Biederman & 5 members of the public

Min 1 24/25 – Apologies received – Cllr Heard & NDCllr Renshaw

Min 2 24/25 – Declarations of Interest – none declared

Min 3 24/25 – Minutes – to confirm and agree the signing of the minutes of the meeting held on the 13th March 2024. Agreed. The Clerk was emphatic in making the point that the documentation of the meeting was his responsibility, and that he retained the right to amend, delete, or change any report that he felt did not represent the spirit and content of the evening. There is no instruction to relay every word or opinion spoken, or written, and he would ensure that nothing of importance was omitted.

Min 4 24/25 – Any matters arising

Min 5 24/25 – Correspondence – see appendix 1

Min 6 24/25 – Public Session, 15 minutes. Minute 10 24/25 point (2) was debated at length, and the result was as noted under Minute 10* (starred)

Min 7 24/25 – County Report – DCCllr Biederman gave a comprehensive summary of the budget conditions at DCC, which are affecting many areas. Although there was a 6.8% uplift in Gov’t funding, the requirements for the additional costs that areas such as disabled children require, more than take up any additional funds. He estimates that in real terms, the funding has been reduced by £43m over the past few years. The flooding at the top road in Westleigh by the pines had been raised by Selaine Saxby (MP), to NDC and DCC, and DCCllr Biederman promised to follow up the issue. He also commented on the fact that there was now a meeting planned on the 23rd April for all interested parishes regarding monies from the Litchardon Solar Farm, a meeting based on the agreement of the September 2020 meeting. The Clerk informed the meeting that he and the Chair would be attending on Westleigh’s behalf.  There was no specific report from NDCllr Renshaw who reiterated her support for WPC.

Min 8 24/25 – Finance – to agree accounts, and authorise payments to NDC (salary £954.71), J Harris for maintenance and re-issue lost cheque from March (£100 & £262.5), and DALC annual fee (£133.51)

Min 9 24/25 – Environment – Clerk reported that he had obtained and delivered another 3 trees for Tapeley, and that Tapeley have approx. 40-50 more on order. Cllr Burgess’s report is summarised here - The hard work of planting is now beginning to show some lovely results, notably by the West Living ‘Westleigh’ sign, and around the outside of the Village Hall. Cllr Burgess is still liaising with interested parties for the final installations of the remaining habitat items, specifically 1 Barn Owl box, 1 Hedgehog box, 3 Bat boxes, and 3 House Martin single/double cups. There are also 3 Crab Apple saplings (1 in the Churchyard, and 2 at Langmead) awaiting planting. If more habitat items are wanted by Parishioners, then by all means inform Cllr Burgess, in case further grant monies become available

Min 10 24/25 – Planning – (1) nothing to feedback on 78496 Plovers Barron, and thanks to Cllr Burgess for taking the time and interest to do her own survey. (2)* The Clerk informed the meeting that he had been in contact with Christie’s regarding the proposed development below the Village Hall. A meeting was being arranged between Andrew Woollacott, the Clerk and Chair, and Brian Lees (or a representative) for the week beginning 15th April to discuss the possibility of a second option for the development. The reason that a public meeting was not being held, is that Christie’s wanted to ‘test the water’ before making any definite applications for either the original proposal, or an amended version. The Clerk agreed that he would communicate any information as and when he received it, and would notify representatives of the Village as to the time and date of the meeting. He also agreed to relay back to Christies that the Village would want to see some plans for the 2nd option, before they would comment!  (3) Myrtle Cottage is now being worked upon again

Min 11 24/25 – TTEF –  the next meeting will be held on the 15th April

Min 12 24/25 – Summer Fete – nothing definite has been arranged, and the concern is that it will not happen (again)

Min 13 24/25 – Parish AGM 22nd May, 7pm, followed by WPC AGM. Relevant Cllrs warned that reports had to be submitted to the Clerk well in advance of the Parish AGM, in Word format preferably – Chair, Tapeley, & Environment

Appendix 1 - Correspondence

1.  An email from Tim Steer, who is the ACE (Atlantic Coast-Exeter Railway) lead Officer, asking if he could make a presentation to WPC regarding the possibility of re-opening the Bideford/Barnstaple railway link – Council decided to take up his offer.

2. A letter from Selaine Saxby regarding monies awarded to DCC (£7m) to support publicly accessible Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points. The previously available monies were all taken up by NDC and their public car parks. Also from Selaine, a copy of an email regarding the flooding at the Pines, and the lack of drainage, which was sent to Frank Biederman (DCC).

3. A follow up email from Stephen & Heather Ettling regarding the possibility of placing a sign on the road just past Langmead, warning large vehicles that the road is unsuitable due to very sharp corners and a very narrow bridge ahead. This has arisen from a Keedwell lorry partly demolishing the bridge, and an Evans lorry causing damage to barns at Southcott. Council agreed that suitable signs should be made and erected

4. An email from ‘Rehab 4 Addiction’ asking if WPC are willing to create a link to their help website. Council agreed, and Cllr Frajbis will implement

5. Devon Local Nature Partnership has adopted a ‘Tree & Woodland’ strategy to help achieve an increase in the County’s tree cover from14% to 16.5% by 2050, which is the UK’s national target