Lydford Parish Council

Minutes 10th March 2026

Meeting date: Tuesday 10 March 2026

Meeting of Lydford parish council
at the Nicholls Hall, Lydford on
Tuesday 10th March 2026 at 7:00pm

Present: Cllrs Hulett (Chair), Moyse, Gilpin, Lenton K, Lenton L, Purnell, Cllr Southcott (WDBC), Katie West (WDBC) 2 members of the parish.

  1. Public Session (15 minutes)

Parishioners asked about the possible relocation of the bus shelter and the re-routing of the 118 bus around the triangle above the War Memorial. The council was assured via email that the route will be amended as of 5th April 2026, to include the triangle turn and that things are moving on getting a building a hard standing suitable for wheelchair users and either a new shelter, or relocating the existing one to a lower level.

  1. Apologies for absence

Cllr Fife-Cook, Cllr Mott, Cllr Cook,

  1. Declarations of Interest

Nil

  1. Minutes of the monthly meeting 10th February 2026

The draft minutes were approved by the council as an accurate record of the meeting, and were duly signed by the Chair.

  1. Matters arising from the meeting 10th February 2026 which are not part of the agenda items.

There were no matter arising

  1. Urgent matters to report (For information)

There were no matters to report

  1. Affordable housing

Katie West reminded the council that a small need for affordable housing had been identified through the council’s recent survey and outlined the options facing the council if they wished to move forward with the proposal to meet this need within Lydford. There was agreement within the council that the best outcome would be to work with a housing society to develop a Community-Led Trust along the same lines as has already been achieved at Chagford, and which is being developed at Sticklepath and North Tawton. The Trust would own and manage any properties built. The next steps on that route would be to gauge local appetite for development and establish whether there is land available. To that end, Katie offered to arrange an initial meeting with DNPA Planning department to establish whether an application for the development of a small number of affordable units might be allowed, and if so where (AP1)

The questions remaining to be answered -

1. Is there an identifiable need in adjoining parishes?

2. How have parishes such as Chagford and Sticklepath formulated their Community Trusts?

3. Can Councillors identify locations in Lydford that might be suitable?

4. Does the DNPA local plan debar development within the village because it is considered to be of historical importance?

  1. Disabled access to buses

DCC have confirmed with the Chair that an engineer will be inspecting the site soon. It is hoped that they will be able to suggest plans for a new / replaced shelter.

  1. Broadband working group

The Chair reported that the working group has been established and has met twice. The council was told that BT Openreach – who have been awarded the contract for this area - are committed to providing a fibre service to every property by 2030. To get full fibre to each household before then will require engagement from the majority of householders. The group will be surveying the village to gauge the level of enthusiasm within the village for this (AP2 – Cllr Purnell to write an article for the parish newsletter). Councillors were reminded that the analogue to digital switchover has now been set for next January 2027.

  1. Parish council representative on the Nicholls Hall committee.

Cllr Gilpin volunteered.

  1. Deployment of Lengthsman

It was proposed to deploy the Lengthsman to clean the pavement on Gorge Hill. And for him to remove the spoil. After discussion it was agreed to deploy the Lengthsman to clean the footpath along Gorge Hill and the steps between Hawthorn Park and School Road. (AP3 – Clerk to deploy Lengthsman)

Proposed Cllr Hulett, second Cllr L Lenton, all in favour.

Councillors agreed to remind house owners that it is their responsibility to clear up the highway of any debris emanating from their property. This would include hedge clippings (AP4 – Clerk to include piece in the council’s article for the parish newsletter)

  1. Council email accounts

The Clerk reported that as yet he has not met with Cllr Gilpin on the matter of the council’s email domain. There will be a meeting in the next two weeks.

  1. Annual Parish Meeting

The council decided to hold the next APM on Tuesday 12th May.

  1. Planning

a. 0058/26 Application for Permission in Principle, Single dwelling at Brambleside, EX20 4AU.

As this application appeared to be on a question of law, Councillors resolved to take a neutral view.

The Clerk explained that a request for consultation had been received from DNPA regarding application 0075/26 – proposed single storey extensions to south-east and north-west with replacement porch, Raventor, EX20 4BJ but that the application had been received to late to be included on the agenda. It was agreed that the matter could be dealt with via emails and – provided the council was in agreement – the Clerk could respond using delegated authority.

b. 26/0012 Pomeroys, EX20 4AR. Application for tree works. Approval granted. The council noted the decision.

  1. Finances
  1. Councillors resolved to approve the following payments:
  1. J. Bright £ 412.97 March salary
  2. HMRC £ 98.59 PAYE & employers’ NI contribution, March
  3. Nicholls Hall £ 22.00 Hire of committee room 24.2.26 & 3.3.26 – working group

Proposed Cllr Hulett, seconded Cllr L Lenton, all in favour.

  1. The published banking reconciliation for period 1.4.25 to 28.02.26 was noted by Councillors.

Opening balance 1.4.25 £10,606.72 Bank holdings at 28.2.26
Add receipts £11,349.20 Deposit Account £13,400.30
Less payments £8,543.14 Current Account £12.48
£13,412.78 £13,412.78

Meeting closed: 20.08

Next meeting – Tuesday 14th April 2026, 7.00 pm

Last updated 9 April 2026