Meeting date: Tuesday 14 July 2026
Present: Cllr Hulett (Chair), Moyse, Lenton L, Lenton K, Purnell, Robson, Gilpin, Cllrs Mott,
Southcott (WDBC)
1. Public Session
Sue Powne offered the council the proceeds from the regular quiz night held at the Castle Inn, to
be deposited with the council to provide grants to members of the parish in line with the existing
council grants policy. Councillors accepted the offer, which is expected to begin in September
(AP1 – Clerk to create dedicated Grants Reserve)
Sue also explained that as the number of bell ringers is reducing, going forward it may not be
possible to produce a full team on occasion. To support those who were available, the ringers
are proposing to purchase a set of automatic chimes, and Sue requested a grant from the
council to support this purchase. Councillors asked for a written application in line with the
council’s Grants policy. (AP2 – Clerk to circulate application when received).
In response to questions about the parking of a van at the junction of School Road and Silver
Street, the owner explained that because of insurance stipulations that the vehicle be covered by
CCTV and that this could presently be provided only to the front of their property. To relocate the
service elsewhere will take time and cost a deal of money, but will be done in due course.
Councillors asked whether a mirror could be installed on a post opposite the junction to improve
vision to the right of the junction. (AP3 – Clerk to investigate of Highways).
Apologies for absence
Cllr Fife-Cook
Declarations of Interest
Nil
Minutes of the monthly meeting 9th June 2026
These were agreed to be a full and accurate record of the meeting and were duly signed by the
Chair.
Matters arising from the meeting 9th June 2026 which are not part of the agenda items.
Councillor Hulett stated that he had met with Dartmoor Ranger Kit Hancock to explore the
possible solutions to the issue of the poorly maintained byways 6a and 16a either side of Bolt’s
House. There was a deal of doubt as to where responsibility for their maintenance lay; whether it
rests with the County Council or Dartmoor National Park. Kit is making enquiries.
Councillors Hulett and Gilpin agreed that they would prefer to attend Chapter 8 training at the
Saltash venue in September. (AP4 – Clerk to arrange).
Urgent matters to report
Nil
Items for Action (from Action Plan).
a) Affordable Housing
There has been no meeting as yet. Councillors from the working group hope to meet with DNPA
planners on Monday or Wednesday of next week
b) Ancient Spring
Councillor Hulett visited the site in company with Tim Russell and Kit Hancock from Dartmoor
National Park. They explained that they have put plans in place to appoint a contractor to start
work to install the drainage necessary to maintain the integrity of trackway. Work will probably
start in November time.
c) 20’s Plenty
It was agreed that the new Highways Community Officer Josh Scillitoe be invited to the council’s
September meeting to discuss a variety of Highways – related issues, particularly what support
might be available to help bring the 20 mph limit to the village (AP5 – Clerk to arrange)
Accessibility ramp
Devon County Council have offered to pay for the pad and kerb, providing it complies with
Government strictures, on the conditions that the parish council pays for the removal and
reinstallation of the shelter and that the base conforms with government guidance (Inclusive
Mobility. A Guide to Best Practice on Access to Pedestrian and Transport Infrastructure). The
space available does not appear to permit the size of hard standing required. Councillors might
look into installing a handrail in the future if required.
Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) opposite Lydford Farm Shop – maintenance and location
Councillors agreed to move the item to the September meeting when hopefully the Highways
Community Officer will be in attendance to assist discussions on possibilities. (AP6 – Clerk to
add to September agenda).
Council data security
Councillor Purnell outlined the nature of some of the threats presently facing community
organisations and local government. He circulated a checklist and the published Code of
Conduct for ensuring data security and suggested that Councillors look to meet all of the criteria
of the checklist to ensure a basic minimum security level. (AP7 – Clerk to circulate digital version
and publish on website).
Planning
Application 26/0055 Sewage Works EX20 4BH – works to trees in a conservation area. -
supported
Application 0124/26 –Plot 6, Hawthorn Park, EX20 4BD; amended application for Permission in
Principle for the erection of one affordable or one local-needs self-build dwelling.
This request for consultation was received too late for inclusion on the agenda for the meeting. It
was agreed that – because of the concerns engendered by the initial application – an
extraordinary meeting be held to allow concerned residents to express their concerns. A date of
28th July was agreed. (AP8 – Clerk to arrange)
Initial internet searches suggest that the use of PiPs is not allowed in a Conservation Area (AP9
– Clerk to enquire of Officer in the Case on the correctness in this situation)
Finances
a. Payments for approval:
i. J. Bright £ 699.19 Salary July & overtime
ii. HMRC £ 224.10 PAYE & Employer’s NI July
iii. Jim Jeffrey £ 438.00 Lengthsman work 3.5.26
iv. J. Bright £ 6.99 Replacement flag rope
That these payments be approved. Proposed Cllr Hulett, seconded Cllr K Lenton, all in favour.
b. Banking reconciliation for period 1.4.26 to 30.6.26
for information
Opening balance 1.4.26 £12,942.21 Bank holdings at 30.6.26
Add receipts £5,657.49 Deposit Account £15,537.66
Less payments £3,049.85 Current Account £12.19
£15,549.85 £15,549.85
c. Actions taken by the Clerk under the Scheme of Delegation
Councillors approved the following actions taken by the Clerk:
Planning application 26/0052 – Tree works at Avalon, 13 Hawthorn Park. After email
consultations, the Clerk responded to the request for consultation – “Lydford parish council
has no objection to this application”.
16.6.26: Payment made to DM Payroll Services £144.00. Invoice received 9.4.26 but omitted
from June agenda. Paid under delegated authority as to delay might jeopardise business
relationship with supplier.
Meeting closed: 20.10