Minutes 8th April 2025

  1. Public Session (15 minutes)
  1. Apologies for absence – Cllr Sanders (other meeting), Cllr Mott (holiday)
  1. Declarations of Interest

Cllr Gilpin – item 6 personal interest
Cllr K Lenton – item 9a pecuniary interest
Cllr L Lenton – item 9a personal interest

  1. Minutes of the meeting 11th February 2025
  • The minutes were agreed.
  1. Matters arising from the meeting 11th February 2025 which are not part of the agenda items. (See also Action Points from meeting)
  • Affordable Housing office at WDBC have not updated the original questionnaire.
    Cllr Purnell agreed to draft an online questionnaire using Microsoft Teams (AP1). To next meeting
  • Dog waste bin at the Sports Field
    Councillors confirmed that collections have started.
  1. Playground
  • RoSPA report circulated and discussed by Councillors. The identified repairs were felt to be important, but it is not necessary to close any of the pieces of equipment. Cllr Gilpin informed the council that one of the Trustees has taken responsibility for repairs, which are ongoing.
  1. Defibrillator cabinet
  • Cllr K Lenton stated that the carrier box for the defibrillator, which is contained within the newly installed cabinet, cannot be securely closed and a new box is required. The cost is around £150. Councillors agreed to purchase a new box. (AP2 – Clerk to purchase)
  1. Public toilets
  • Councillor Cook updated the council on his recent discussions with Richard Drysdale of DNPA. Present plans are that the toilets will be opened by DNPA on a seasonal basis, hopefully starting late this Easter holiday. An automatic locking and unlocking system will be installed, removing the need for someone to hold keys. Presently these plans are contingent upon sufficient revenue being raised from parking charges.
  1. Planning

Before discussion began, Councillor K Lenton left the meeting room in accordance with Standing Orders, Appendix B, para. 4

a. 0084/25 – Cornerways, Silver Street, EX20 4AQ. Change of use from agricultural land to domestic curtilage and erection of garage.
Council voted by a majority to support the application. Proposed Cllr Hulett, seconded Cllr Purnell.

b. 0088/25/TPO – Moor View House EX20 4BB tree works to 6 sycamore trees.
Councillors noted the decision by WDBC to refuse the application

Councillor K Lenton returned to the meeting at the conclusion of item 9.

  1. Finances

    a. Councillors resolved to approve the payments:

i. J. Bright £386.97 April salary
ii. HMRC £92.00 PAYE April
iii. RoSPA £96.00 Annual Playground safety inspection
iv. DALC £164.46 Annual membership fee

    Proposed Cllr Hulett, seconded Cllr K Lenton. All in favour.

    b. Banking reconciliation for period 1.4.24 to 31.03.25

      Opening balance 1.4.24 £10,705.30 Bank holdings at 31.03.25
      Add receipts £11,329.91 Deposit Account £10,573.10
      Less payments £11,428.49 Current Account £33.62
      £10,606.72 £10,606.72

      c. Payments made by the Clerk under the Scheme of Delegation

      Alpha Flags – purchase of 2 new Union Flags: £150.95

        Councillors noted the banking reconciliation and approved the payment made by the Clerk.

        1. Website
        • Cllr Purnell asked for space on the Lydford.co.uk website for the latest information on the Neighbourhood Watch scheme, of which he is an Ambassador. It was agreed that Cllr Gilpin would provide Cllr Purnell with an appropriate level of access to edit the website. (AP3)
        1. This item was removed by the Clerk to the May meeting as it potentially breached the rules of purdah prior to the council elections on May 1st (AP4 – Clerk to enter item into May meeting)
        1. Annual Parish Meeting
        • It was agreed that the APM would take place on the same night as the scheduled council meetings, but at an earlier time. All of the local groups to be invited to attend and to speak to the meeting if they so desire. (AP5 – Clerk to book hall and arrange catering).
        1. Urgent business not listed on the agenda.
        • There are discussions in the village about organising an event as part of the 80th VE Day celebration. Councillors approved in principle that the council should donate up to £100 as a contribution to any event, subject to a formal application.
        • A question has been asked of the council as to when superfast broadband might be brought to the village. Presently there are no known arrangements to do so. (AP6 – Clerk to find out how this might be achieved).

        Meeting concluded 20:26