Minutes 14th April 2026

Present: Cllr K Lenton (Chair), Cllrs Gilpin, Moyse, Purnell, Cllr Fife-Cook (DCC), Cllr Southcott (WDBC) 6 members of the parish.

1. Public Session (15 minutes)

Sue Powne proposed a village celebration for Devon Day on 4th June 2026, planned to open at 12.00 for all of the village to attend. Whilst many of the details are yet to be worked out, Sue hoped that the council would be willing to make a grant towards providing food and refreshments for villagers on the day. The council agreed that it would be happy to receive an email from Sue as a formal application for a grant, which it would consider at the May meeting. (AP1 – to May agenda)

Steve Powne explained that he had looked into the process through which Devon Highways had upgraded the disabled parking bay opposite the primary school from an advisory bay to a mandatory bay and was of the opinion that there needed to be a public consultation before a Traffic Regulation Order could be approved. He asked whether the council had been consulted and was told that no such consultation had been received. Steve said that he would continue his enquiries with Devon Highways.

John Pettitt asked whether there was any news on when the public toilets were to be upgraded by DNPA and the two disabled parking bays installed in the car park. The Clerk replied that there has been no update and promised to chase the matter up with DNPA.(AP2)

Concerns were raised about a vehicle which has been parked at the junction by the bus shelter above the War Memorial, opposite the junction with Hawthorn Park. The driver of the vehicle is not known. It was agreed that the council would remind parishioners of the stipulations in the Highway Code against parking at or within 10 meters of a junction other than in an authorised parking bay. (AP3 – Clerk to include in newsletter).

2. Apologies for absence:

Cllr Hulett, Cllr Cook, Cllr L Lenton, Cllr Mott. Apologies accepted.

3. Declarations of Interest

Councillor Moyse declared a personal interest in item 19a (planning application) as she is a neighbour of the applicant.

4. Minutes of the monthly meeting 10th March 2026

The minutes were approved & signed by the Chair of the meeting.

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

The Lengthsman has yet to be tasked to complete the work agreed. (AP4 – Clerk to allocate the work)

6. Urgent matters to report (For information)

None

7. Resignation of Councillor Cook.

Councillors agreed that they would like to register their thanks for Councillor Cook’s contribution to the work of Lydford parish over the many years.

The Clerk outlined the protocol governing how the vacancy should be filled. Provided that by 5th May the Elections staff at WDBC have not received a letter signed by 10 or more parishioners demanding an election, the council can co-opt. The matter to be included in the agenda for the next meeting (AP5 – Clerk to include).

8. Affordable housing

Nothing new to report – awaiting proposals of dates to meet with planners from DNPA

9. Disabled access to buses

A quote has been received (too late for prior circulation) from DCC outlining the cost of suggested work to install an appropriate ramp. (AP6 – clerk to share, to May agenda for discussion).

10. Broadband working group

The group agrees that it has done all within reason but without success. The advice to parishioners will be to register their interest with BT. Starlink can provide high speed connections, but parishioners are advised to take their own counsel.

11. Playground safety inspection report (circulated)

The report was discussed briefly. Councillors were pleased to note that there were no urgent safety works required.

12. Works in the field adjacent to the Fox and Hounds PH. (Cllr Hulett)

The matter was withdrawn.

13. Black plastic farming litter (images and draft letter circulated)

Councillors received a report from Cllr Purnell, outlining the quantity of waste plastics, specifically black bale wrap, being found in the hedgerows around the village. A locality where the matter is increasingly pressing was highlighted. Councillor K Lenton agreed to have words of advice with the landowner (AP7). (AP8 Clerk to include a piece in the newsletter).

14. Card theft at Lydford car park

The recent alleged incident of card “cloning” via the car park payment device was discussed. There being no evidence found of how the card details were obtained, Councillors agreed that beyond a general warning in the parish newsletter there was little that could be done. (AP9 – Clerk to include piece in the parish newsletter.

15. Road Warden Scheme

Matter deferred to the next meeting.

16. Disabled bay opposite Lydford Primary School

Councillor Fife-Cook explained to the council that he had written to the Traffic team at DCC asking for a full explanation of how the bay came to be installed and subsequently uprated to a mandatory bay. He advised that the council take no further action until such information has been received.

17. Council email accounts

Councillor Gilpin has allocated each Cllr an email address using the lydfordparishcouncil.com domain. Councillors were encouraged to register with that address and discontinue using their previous council Gmail address.

18. Annual Parish Meeting Tuesday 12th May 2026

Councillors agreed the format of the meeting and suggested speakers to invite. (AP10 – Clerk to extend invites to representatives of the local police, DNPA, NT Lydford Gorge).

19. Planning

a. Councillors agreed to support application 0091/26 Full application, Pomeroys EX20 4AR. Demolition of existing conservatory to replace with single storey extension.

b. Councillors noted the refusal of0058/26 Application for Permission in Principle, Single dwelling at Brambleside, EX20 4AU.

20. Finances

1. Councillors resolved to approve the payments:

1. J. Bright £ 412.97 April salary
2. HMRC £ 98.59 PAYE & employers’ NI contribution, April
3. DALC £ 169.08 Council affiliation fee 2026-27
4. Nicholls Hall £ 110.00 Hire of meeting room 2025-26
5. WDBC £ 95.47 Emptying of dog waste bin (26 collections)
6. RoSPA £ 99.60 Playground Annual safety inspection

Proposed Cllr Purnell, seconded Cllr K Lenton. All in favour.

1. Councillors agreed to continue with Zurich Insurancefor the coming year.

1. Banking reconciliation for period 1.4.25 to 28.03.26

Councillors noted the figures

Opening balance 1.4.25 £10,606.72 Bank holdings at 28.3.26
Add receipts £11,419.19 Deposit Account £12,920.29
Less payments £9,083.70 Current Account £21.92
£12,942.21 £12,942.21

1. Actions taken by the Clerk under the Scheme of Delegation

Planning application 0075/26 Raventor; proposed single storey extensions to SE and NW sides. – following a unanimous positive response from Cllrs, submitted email to DNPA in support of the application. This action was approved.

Meeting closed 8:15 pm.

Next meeting 12th May – including APM & ACM