18 Sept DRAFT
UPLOWMAN PARISH COUNCIL: DRAFT MINUTES OF MEETING
Held on Thursday 19th September 2025 in Uplowman Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm.
Minutes by Mr R Hodgson, Clerk. Action points in bold. Subject to approval on 20th November 2025
- MEMBERS PRESENT and PROCEDURAL MATTERS
1.1 Present: Cllrs M Moore, J Mayne, D Thomas, and D Westerman (Chair).
- APOLOGIES AND REPORTS FROM MDDC & DCC
2.1 Councillors R Adcock, A McCombe and K Baugh, working, had tendered apologies for absence. It was noted that Cllr Adcock had been absent for 3 meetings and, on a show of hands, it was agreed not to seek his resignation as he had been active between meetings and played a full role in council activities. Cllr Lock (MDDC) had also apologised for absence.
2.2 No reports had been received from DCC or MDDC councillors
- MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (18th July 2025)
3.1 Draft Minutes of the Annual meeting held on Thursday 18th July2025 had been circulated. No changes were requested and they were signed by the Chair as a true record of that meeting.
- FINANCES and PROCEDURES
4.1 Current Balance: £7263.64
Income since last meeting, from Parish Magazine & Trim Trail donors: £505.00
4.2 The following payments were approved and cheques signed to effect the disbursements:
AP Hayman, grass cutting, £93.00
R Hodgson, Clerk’s expenses and salary, £860.10
4.3 It was agreed that payment of £142.48 would be made for consumables for the defibrillator when presented with a receipt. The Clerk was authorised to set up a .gov.uk domain and email addresses at a cost of £260.00
- PLANNING APPLICATIONS
5.1 24/01033/FULL: Hill Farm, revised catle shed layout. UPC had not objected and decision awaited.
5.2 25/01117/FULL: Locks Farm, replace barn. UPC had not objected and MDDC decision was awaited.
5.3 25/01266/FULL: 3 Crossways, Erection of social dwelling. This application had been recenly received. Councillors expressed support for provision of additional social housing. It was decided that Cllrs Moore and McCombe, neither being village residents, would inspect the site with the Clerk at a date to be arranged. Cllr Thomas would consult with neighbours for their opinions.
- VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
6.1 Parish website: Cllr Westerman would follow up with UHRA to set up a meeting with Mr Donald, now in France.
6.3 The Clerk was asked to set up email addresses for all councillors. It was agreed to use Parish Online, which had been recommended by neighbouring clerks.
6.3 A first aid training day had been arranged for 29th November and Hall and Presenter had been booked. Between 10 and 12 (max) participants would be needed. Cllr Westerman would produce a poster to advertise the event.
6.4 Cllr Westerman had researched planters to be bought with the Parish Magazine’s donation (£350). The planter would cost £159, leaving money for plants. Cllr Westerman would buy materials. Cllr Thomas had asked the school if they would like to help with management of the flowers and awaited a reply.
- SUSTAINABILITY AND HEALTHY LIVING
7.1 There was no update on proposed solar panel installation on the hall. Cllr Westerman had reminded Cllr Adcock, who was away at present, and would talk to him again.
- 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:
8.1 Cllr Westcott had sent information on a planned pipeline construction that might cross Uplowman. The Clerk was asked to forward details.
- HALL AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
9.1 There was no report due to Cllr Adcock’s absence.
9.2 It was noted that the footbridge over the leat was now 20 years old and in need of repairs or relacement. The UHRA committee had enquired whether UPC could assist with the estimated £6,000 needed to replace it. The Clerk was asked to enquire whether DCC locality budget money was still available that could support this. He said that a firm estimate of costs would be needed and would enquire of Cllr Raleigh.
- STATE OF ROADS IN PARISH
10.1 Whitnage Lane signage: There had been no further development.
10.2 Thanks were expressed to DCC Highways for completing road patching on the Sampford Peverell and Beer Down roads to a high standrad as planned.
10.3 A village group had spent a very satisfying morning clearing weeds from the leat. Flooding by the bridge would be addressed by Cllr Adcock on his return.
11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting was confirmed for Thursday 20th November 2025, to be in the Hall at 7.30pm.
The meeting closed at 8.20pm
DRAFT MINUTES OF 18h September 2025
Public discussion:
There was none