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January 2023

UPLOWMAN PARISH COUNCIL: DRAFT MINUTES OF MEETING

Held on Thursday 19th January 2023 in Uplowman Village Hall, starting at 8.00pm.

Six members of the public present. Minutes by Mr R Hodgson, Clerk. Action points in bold.

Approved on 16th March 2023

  1. MEMBERS PRESENT

1.1 Present: Cllrs K Baugh, A McCombe, D Thomas, N Branton, D Westerman

 

  1. APOLOGIES, PROCEDURAL MATTERS AND REPORTS FROM MDDC & DCC

2.1 Apologies for absence had been received from Cllr M Moore, away, and Cllr R Adcock, working away.

In Cllr Moore’s absence Cllr Branton proposed that Cllr Westernman be appointed Chair for this

meeting, which was agreed by all on a show of hands. Cllr Westerman took the chair.

2.2 Cllr Slade had reported on DCC matters. His report noted that the DCC budget was nearly finalised and would be about 10.5% greater than the previous year. Cllr Slade also noted that his locality budget was now mostly used.

2.3 No report had been received on MDDC matters.

 

  1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (17th November 2022)

3.1 Draft Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 17th November 2022 had been circulated. There were no changes requested and they were signed by the Chair as a true record of that meeting.

 

  1. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

4.1 Public consultations were now under way with respect to the proposed development of a football ground at Crazelowman. These had been circulated to neighbours but not within Uplowman. It was noted that the development would lie outside the areas designated for development in the Local Plan and would have adverse impacts on traffic in Uplowman. After discussion it was agreed that UPC should object in strong terms to any planning application once made but that no collective representation would be made in response to this consulation.

 

  1. FINANCES

5.1 Current Balance: £5360.49

Income since last meeting: £Nil

5.2 The following payments were approved and cheques signed to effect the disbursements:

   Uplowman PCC, annual grant towards functioning graveyard (£350.00)

   Citizens Advice TNWMD, annual grant (£25.00)

   Mid Devon Mobility, annual grant for Ring & Ride (£25.00)

   Church Housing Action Team, annual grant (£25.00)

   N Branton, reimburse for Christmas tree on green (£30.49)

5.3 Budget 2023-4 and Precept request: The Clerk presented a draft budget for the following year. It indicated that with prudent increases to cover rises in prices, a Precept of £3500 would be needed. On a show of hands this proposal was accepted unanimously; the Clerk would inform MDDC.

5.4 It was agreed to continue membership of Devon Association of Local Councils and that the subscription could be deducted from the precept payment. The Clerk would inform MDDC.

5.5 Councillors expressed its appreciation of Mr Clark as internal auditor for the council. The Clerk would ask Mr Clark if he would be willing to undertake this service for 2022-3.

 

  1. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

6.1 22/00753/Full, Land at Stonebridge, replace shed with 2 dwellings, UPC objected, Awaiting decision.

6.2 22/01345/FULL: Chamberlains, relocate equestrian building. UPC no object, decision awaited

6.3 22/1918/F: Hill Farm: Ag storage building: UPC no object, had been approved by MDDC

6.4 22/02325/F, Hill Farm, erect ag workers cottage. UPC no objection, decision awaited

6.522/02374/MFUL: PV farm at Dean Hill Rd, Willand. This was outside the parish and councillors had no comments on the proposal.

 

  1. VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

7.1 Village signs: these were now being made.

7.2 Christmas tree on Green. Cllr Branton had obtained a tree and provided lights. Cllr Adcock had planted it.

7.3 Grass maintenance. Arrangements made in 2022 had been satisfactory. The Clerk would arrange for them to continue during 2023.

7.4 Broadband update: Airband now said that installation would be delayed until late summer of 2024.

7.5 Hall 20th Aniversary party: This had taken place on 3rd December and been much enjoyed by those present.

7.6 Play area update: Following a detailed presentation by a number of parish residents and parents Cllr Branton proposed that UPC should support the installation of a trim trail and other equipment for local youngsters. On a show of hands this was agreed by all present. UPC would apply for grants on behalf of the group and the equipment would be installed at and become the property of the UHRA. The group would work with the Clerk to get things going.

7.7 Cllr Branton proposed the planting of a turkey oak tree at the church to commemorate the forthcoming coronation of HM King Charles in May. A budget of up to £200 was agreed for purchase of a suitable tree.

7.8 It was suggested that UPC might resume provision of welcome packs to new parish residents. It was noted that the church has been doing this. The Clerk would contact Mr Milner who designed the packs previously used.

 

  1. SUSTAINABILITY AND HEALTHY LIVING

8.1 Cllr Moore being absent, the matter was not dicussed further.

 

  1. CORRESPONDENCE

A list of correspondence received and sent had been circulated. Attention was drawn to the following items of interest that were not covered elsewhere:

9.1No additional correspondence considered.

 

  1. HALL AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION

10.1 In the absence of Cllr Adcock there was no report from UHRA

  1. EMERGENCY PLANNING AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

11.1 Cllr Branton had approached individuals to join an emergency planning group but without success. It was agreed to put a further item in the newsletter.

  1. STATE OF ROADS IN PARISH

12.1 The Whitnage lane had been repaired and thanks were expressed to DCC Highways for this work. Cllr

Branton noted that the road between Uplowman and Whitnage was very poor due to its blocked drains and

consequent undermining. She would draft an email for the Clerk to forward to Cllr Slade to propose a meeting with the local highways officer.

12.2 Cllr Westerman noted that several salt bins had been removed from around the parish, resulting in an inability to treat some dangerous slopes during icy condition.

 

  1. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

 

The next meeting was confirmed for Thursday 16th March 2023, to be in the Hall.

 

The meeting closed at 9.00pm

 

Public discussion:

Proposals to create a trim trail to provide exercise opportunities for village youngsters were presented. This would be located on the recreation field on an area about 9m x 3m. 10 families had expressed interest and the main users would be primary school and young high school-aged. Equipment would be made of recycled plastic for longevity. Neighbours had been consulted and not raised objections. The trail would be owned by UHRA and insured under their existing policies. The capital cost could be covered by a Section 106 pot of £7,100 currently held by MDDC. Mainenance was expected to amount to about £250 pa and local businesses were being asked to sponsor this cost. UPC was being asked to support the proposal and to apply on behalf of the group for the Section 106 funds and any other similar grants that might be identified.

The repairs to the Whitnage lane were welcomed and the rough condition of the main Whitnage road was raised.

MINUTES OF 19 January 2023

Minutes of meetings held in 2023