Parish council meeting 9.12.25

Lydford parish council will be meeting on Tuesday 9th December 2025. The agenda will be –

Public Session (15 minutes)

An opportunity for parishioners and members of the public to make representations to the council.

Apologies for absence

Declarations of Interest

In accordance with the Code of Conduct, members are required to declare any personal or disclosable pecuniary interests, including the nature and extent of such interests they may have, in items to be considered at this meeting.

Affordable housing survey

To receive a report on responses now the survey has finished and decide on the next steps.

(This matter has been moved forward to accommodate Katie West from WDBC)

Minutes of the monthly meeting 11^th November 2025

To resolve to agree the minutes.

Matters arising from the meeting 11^th November 2025 which are not part of the agenda items. (See also Action Points from meeting).

Car parking on Bonfire Night – update on discussions
Bridleways – any update
Disabled bay – Granite Way – to be re-sized and re-painted
Bus bay for wheelchair users – Stagecoach meeting

Urgent matters to report (For information)

For the council to receive reports on matters which have arisen since last meeting but which have not been included on the agenda

Broadband network provision within the village.

It was reported at the Annual Parish Meeting in May that contracts had been awarded by the Government for the delivery of gigabit-capable broadband to all properties in West Devon. The expectation in 2024 was that work would commence in 2026. Since that meeting the quality and reliability of the broadband provision within the village is reported to have deteriorated.

For the council to consider writing to BT Openreach on the matter.

Disability audit

To consider whether there are any any further steps which might be taken.

Council finances 2026-27

a) Budget 2026-27

To review draft budget for 2026-27 and propose any amendments for adoption at January’s meeting.

Questions to consider –

1. Services around the village (sign cleaning / verges / Ancient Spring etc). How much will the council want to pay and what are the budget implications for the coming year?

2. Bridleway. The council might need to fund any signs that it wants Highways to put up. This is likely to cost. Does the council want to include a “contribution” in the budget?

3. Bus access point for wheelchair users. There might be some funding available for this project but it may require matched funding. Does the council want to include this in their budget?

b) Precept 2026-27

To propose how the existing precept might be adjusted for 2026-27. For agreement at January’s meeting

Planning

a. For the council to agree a formal response to the following applications:

Nil

b. For the council to note the following decisions:

Application 0317/25 Installation of roof mounted solar panels at Townend House EX20 4AR. Certificate of lawfulness issued.

Application 0306/25 General purpose agricultural building at Raddon Farm EX20 4BP. Prior Approval granted.

Policy review

A number of council policies require review this year in line with council protocols.

Councillors to resolve that the Clerk conduct the review, notifying the council of all policies to be reviewed. Any changes required to be brought before the council for approval.