This page summarises the projects and activities Lydford Parish Council is currently working on, drawn from the council's published agendas and minutes from April to October 2026. It is a summary only: the signed minutes remain the official record. If you would like to know more about any item, please contact the Clerk at clerk@lydfordparish.gov.uk or come along to a council meeting.
Last updated 15 October 2026.
Council priorities for 2026–27
At the Annual Parish Meeting in May 2026 the council adopted three priorities for the year, set out in its Action Plan.
Affordable housing
Status: In progress. A working party (Cllrs Moyse and Robson) is exploring a Community Land Trust, the model used at Chagford and being developed at Sticklepath and North Tawton, working with West Devon Borough Council’s housing enabling officer.
Latest: Two online surveys showed some local need but were too small to be representative, so a full face-to-face survey of the village has been agreed. Cllr Robson is preparing the questionnaire. Separately, Dartmoor National Park Authority granted permission in principle in September 2026 for one affordable or local-needs self-build home at Plot 6, Hawthorn Park.
Next step: Approve the survey questionnaire (October meeting) and meet DNPA planners to discuss where in the parish new homes might be permitted. Anyone in housing need can register with Devon Home Choice.
Source: Annual Council Meeting, May 2026, June 2026 minutes, July 2026 minutes, September 2026 minutes, October 2026 agenda
Access to the Ancient Spring
Status: In progress, led by Dartmoor National Park Authority.
Latest: Following a site visit in July with DNPA, a contractor is being appointed to install drainage and resurface the track (Bridleway 2a) leading to the spring. Work is expected to start around November 2026.
Next step: Track works by DNPA. The ownership of the land containing the spring is not registered and remains unresolved.
Source: Annual Parish Meeting, May 2026, Annual Council Meeting, May 2026, June 2026 minutes, July 2026 minutes, September 2026 minutes
20’s Plenty and traffic speed
Status: In progress.
Latest: Devon Highways attended in September and advised that Lydford is likely to receive a 20mph limit when funding allows. 20’s Plenty signs are acceptable on private property (not on Highways land or posts) provided they do not imitate official signs. Highways is investigating rumble strips, and village “gateways” have also been suggested.
Next step: Further update at the October meeting.
Source: Annual Parish Meeting, May 2026, Annual Council Meeting, May 2026, September 2026 minutes, October 2026 agenda
Other ongoing work
Speed indicator sign
Status: In progress.
Latest: The vehicle-activated sign opposite Lydford Farm Shop is poorly placed for northbound traffic. Highways will move it if the council proposes a suitable new location.
Next step: Council to agree a proposed location.
Source: June 2026 minutes, July 2026 minutes, September 2026 minutes, October 2026 agenda
Bus stop accessibility
Status: Under review.
Latest: Devon County Council offered to fund a hard-standing pad and kerb for wheelchair access to the bus, but there is not enough space at the current location. A handrail at the shelter is now being considered.
Next step: Handrail on the October agenda.
Source: April 2026 minutes, May 2026 minutes, June 2026 minutes, July 2026 minutes, October 2026 agenda
Road Warden scheme
Status: In progress.
Latest: Cllrs Hulett and Gilpin are training under Devon Highways’ Road Warden scheme so that minor road repairs can be carried out locally. Safety (Chapter 8) training took place in September.
Next step: Training costs and equipment on the October agenda.
Source: May 2026 minutes, June 2026 minutes, July 2026 minutes, October 2026 agenda
Byways 6a and 16a near Bolt’s House
Status: In progress.
Latest: Both byways are in poor condition. The Dartmoor Ranger is establishing whether Devon County Council or DNPA is responsible for repairs.
Next step: Awaiting confirmation of responsibility.
Source: June 2026 minutes, September 2026 minutes
Lydford Gorge bridge
Status: For information.
Latest: Following a recent collision at the bridge, the council raised concerns about the 60mph limit. Highways advised that the bridge’s listed status prevents stronger parapets or barriers. The road beyond the bridge will be closed 24 hours a day from 14 to 16 December 2026 for new ducting.
Source: September 2026 minutes
Vale Down
Status: Being monitored.
Latest: Residents have raised concerns about works on land at Vale Down (mostly in Bridestowe parish) and the piles of gorse brush. The council has passed these concerns to the Dartmoor Ranger and is liaising with Bridestowe Parish Council.
Source: September 2026 minutes
Village entry signs
Status: Under consideration.
Latest: Renewal or replacement of the signs at the entrances to the village, and gateway-style street signs, are being looked at.
Next step: On the October agenda.
Source: June 2026 minutes, October 2026 agenda
DNPA car park
Status: For information.
Latest: DNPA reported in May that two disabled parking bays will be painted in the car park, and that the public toilets are expected to be remodelled over the winter closure to include a disabled toilet if possible.
Source: Annual Parish Meeting, May 2026
Community grants
Status: Ongoing.
Latest: The proceeds of the regular quiz night at the Castle Inn are being held by the council to provide grants to local people and groups under its grants policy. In September the council awarded £100 towards repairing the bellringers’ chimes.
Next step: Apply to the Clerk; see the grants policy on the Finance and Policy page.
Source: July 2026 minutes, September 2026 minutes
Routine services
Status: Ongoing.
Latest: The council arranges the lengthsman for footpath and verge clearance, shares the cost of emptying the dog waste bin at the Recreation Ground with the Sports Field trustees, and commissions the annual playground safety inspection.
Source: April 2026 minutes, October 2026 agenda
Recently completed
- Broadband working group (April 2026): concluded that all avenues had been explored; residents are advised to register their interest with BT or consider satellite providers.
- Council email addresses (spring 2026): all councillors now have council email addresses on the council’s own domain.
- Policies (2026): new IT and Freedom of Information policies adopted and the Complaints Procedure updated, published on the Finance and Policy page.
- Plot 6, Hawthorn Park (July 2026): an extraordinary meeting gathered residents’ views and submitted them to DNPA as the council’s response.
This summary is prepared from the council’s published agendas and minutes. Council meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Nicholls Hall and members of the public are welcome to attend.