IPPLEPEN PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting held at Ipplepen Millennium Centre
On Tuesday 4th March 2025 at 7.15pm
The following minutes will be considered for approval at the next Parish Council Meeting and may be subject to change until that time
In attendance:
Coun.Palethorpe (Chairman) Coun.Jerwood
Coun.Carnell (Vice Chair) Coun.Rattlidge
Coun.Latter Coun.Mrs.Calland
Coun.Burnham Coun.Smith e
Coun.Farrow Coun.Ranjit
Miss Cat Freston – Parish Clerk
Coun.Dewhirst – County Councillor
Four Members of the public present
158) APOLOGIES – No Apologies
159) DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – Coun.Carnell on Planning Application 25/00117/HOU AT 8, Clampitt Road and Appeal 24/00137/ENFA at Littlemead, Marldon Road, Ipplepen.
160) MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 4th February 2025, were approved and signed by the Chairman.
161) PUBLIC QUESTION TIME – No Comments
162) CORRESPONDENCE – Parish Clerk
- a) A resident has emailed to say “thank you” to the Parish Council for their support in regards to the flooding issue at the footpath on Clampitt Road. DCC will be repairing the pipe and will have the line surveyed in the new financial year.
- b) Devon Air Ambulance have emailed informing the Parish Council that they wil be carrying out their annual survey on Friday 7th
- c) South West Water have sent a payment review plan for the water at the Millennium Centre. The current direct debit is £88.50 per month which will be increasing to £125.50 on 1st April 2025.
- d) A resident has emailed about rubbish hanging from the top of a tree next to the toilets at the Recreation Ground. Coun.Palethorpe will remove the bags on Wednesday 5th They have also mentioned that the climb on roundabout in Tremlett Grove play area is not spinning. Coun.Carnell informed Councillors that all play equipment is under going a survey and if it can be repaired, we will arrange for it to be fixed. Action – Clerk to reply to resident.
- e) The Chairman of Ipplepen Scouts have emailed regarding the gas storage construction which was approved in 2021, now needs to be in a wire mesh store. They will be submitted a new proposal to the Parish Council in due course.
- f) Ipplepen Bowling Club have emailed inviting the Chairman and Councillors to their new Season Commencement Day on Saturday 5th April 2025. Coun.Palethorpe and Coun.Rattlidge would like to attend. Action – Clerk to notify the Secretary of the Bowling Club.
- g) Coun.Mrs.Calland has asked if the Parish Council can contact the dog warden to ask if they can visit the Recreation Ground, as it has been reported that dog mess has been found in the Recreation Ground, and there is a no dogs by-law within the park.
OUTSIDE BODIES
Coun.Rattlidge, Coun.Smith and Coun.Farrow attended the Planning Forum on CIL at TDC in January 2025.
163) DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Teignbridge District Council Budget 2025/26
It has been a busy month at Teignbridge District Council. The Budget, which includes a below-inflation increase of 2.99% (equivalent to 11p per day), was approved at the Council meeting on 25 February.
The Budget includes a 5% increase in funding for essential Voluntary Sector organisations, including Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Council for Voluntary Service (CVS), and Newton Abbot Community Transport.
Town and Parish precepts were also approved. I am pleased that Ipplepen has managed to keep its precept increase below the rate of inflation again this year. This achievement is a tribute to the Chair of Finance, Dennis Smith, as well as the Clerk and the Council, especially when compared to the almost 20% increases seen in some other towns and parishes.
Local Government Reorganisation – A Joint Statement
As Deputy Leader of the Council, I have been working closely with colleagues to respond to the Government’s plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which will see the abolition of Devon County Council and all District Councils, to be replaced by fewer, unitary councils.
Teignbridge Leader, Richard Keeling, has been leading on this crucial issue for our residents. Below is the joint statement signed by all the District Council Leaders:
Joint Statement from Devon’s District Leaders
“In December 2024, the national government announced its intention to restructure local government in Devon, abolishing district and county councils in favour of larger unitary councils, with a minimum population guideline of 500,000.
We are proud of our track record in delivering high-quality and cost-effective public services. Our councils have built strong connections with local communities and tailored services to meet the needs of residents.
We are concerned that the proposed LGR, including its timeline, presents a real risk of financial unsustainability from inception. The most significant funding challenges in Devon remain Adult and Children’s Social Care, SEND, and NHS funding. The Government’s proposals do not address these challenges but instead risk destabilising the very organisations managing them today.
Despite these concerns, we acknowledge our responsibility to respond to the Government’s demand for structural change.
We are united in our belief that a single, county-wide ‘mega’ council would not best serve the 1 million residents of Devon and Torbay. Instead, we propose the formation of two new unitary councils:
- Unitary 1: South Hams, Teignbridge, and West Devon, alongside Torbay.
- Unitary 2: East, Mid, and North Devon, Torridge District, and Exeter City.
There is significant work ahead to refine these proposals. Our aim is to maintain local distinctiveness while securing service improvements. The initial deadline for Interim Plans is 21 March, and we will continue engaging with all Devon councils as this fast-moving process evolves.
Discussions with Torbay Council about the proposed structure are ongoing. Additionally, Plymouth City may seek boundary changes, which would be determined by the Government.
We remain committed to engaging with residents, partners, and stakeholders in shaping these proposals, with final submissions expected by November.”
Signed by:
Cllr Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon
Cllr Luke Taylor, Leader of Mid Devon
Cllr David Clayton, Leader of North Devon
Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams
Cllr Richard Keeling, Leader of Teignbridge
Cllr Ken James, Leader of Torridge
Cllr Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon
Newton Abbot – Market Hall Redevelopment
Work has now started on the structural restoration of the Grade II-listed Market Hall in Newton Abbot. The project aims to reinstate the building’s historic features, bringing back much of its original charm.
The first phase of the £5 million scheme involved demolishing part of the 1970s food hall extension to create a new pedestrian walkway from Market Street to Market Square. The removal of this extension has uncovered long-hidden historic features, generating excitement among those involved in the redevelopment.
While renovation work continues, traders have been relocated to a temporary indoor market within the Market Walk Shopping Centre, ensuring that shoppers can still access their favourite stalls.
Devon County Council Elections – Thursday 1 May
The Government has confirmed that the Devon County Council elections will proceed on 1st May 2025. Ipplepen has a strong tradition of high voter turnout, and I encourage everyone to vote, regardless of political affiliation.
For those wishing to vote by post, applications can be made through Teignbridge Electoral Services:
Email: electoralservices@teignbridge.gov.uk
Website: Teignbridge Electoral Services
David Palethorpe – Cllr for Ipplepen – Teignbridge District Council
County Report – Coun.Dewhirst
As reported last month Devon County Council met in early January to implement a ‘top down’ devolution plan for Devon and Torbay which included proposals for a Greater South West Mayoral Region.
The Council submitted a letter of intent to Government committing to develop plans for local government reorganisation and deliver a Mayoral Strategic Authority. Consequently, the County Council would request Government to postpone the County Council elections due to take place in May 2025.
The Conservative administration at Devon wished to rush through the proposals – they did not consult with anyone, let alone the District Councils – so that they would get an extra year in power before an election for a massive Unitary Authority covering the whole of Devon and Torbay but not Plymouth.
Fortunately the Government decided that this was Democracy Denied and ill thought out and turned down our County Council’s request to postpone its elections in May.. Rushing this through without first consulting voters is fundamentally wrong and I did not support this when it was voted upon in Council.
The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA) – the governance needed for devolved decision-making powers and funding to flow from Whitehall to a local Quango in Devon and Torbay – is now official.
It means that decisions, previously made in Whitehall, will now be made locally on priority issues, including housing, jobs and skills, transport and the economy – so long as the government agrees!
Members in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords have debated the regulations required to establish the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority. The Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Jim McMahon, signed the legislation on behalf of the Secretary of State, under power delegated by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, legally bringing the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA) into being from today, Wednesday 5 February 2025.
The members of the Devon and Torbay CCA will meet formally at the inaugural meeting on Wednesday 19th March 2025 at the offices of West Devon Borough Council in Tavistock.
The CCA members are drawn from Devon County Council, Torbay Council, Devon’s District/City/Borough Councils. The Police and Crime Commissioner is also a member alongside a representative from the business community and skills providers.
The Devon and Torbay CCA will be responsible for making decisions about the powers and funding devolved to it from Whitehall through the devolution deal that was agreed in January 2024.
There will be a 4.99% increase in council tax in Devon for the coming financial year. The County Council agreed an increase of 2.99% for general services with an extra 2% for adult social care.
The annual council tax for an average Band D home will rise by £85.59 – or £1.64 a week – to £1,801.26.
There will be increases in spending of 8.2% on adult services and 5.5% for children’s services.
Reductions in other departmental spending and increased income will mean an overall rise of 5.9% in the budget with a total spend of over £784.1 million.
Councillors also agreed an extra £4 million to boost highways and repair potholes since the target budget was set last month.
There will be an additional £5 million for children’s social care to provide a range of services to allow vulnerable children to be cared for closer to their families and communities. And there’ll be an extra £500,000 to support the work of district councils and homeless organisations which brings Devon County Council’s homelessness budget up to £1 million. The extra cash has come from the new additional council tax being levied on second homes.
The budget was approved by 38 votes with four against and seven abstentions.
Council leader James McInnes sharply criticised the Government’s decision to end the Rural Services Delivery Grant which helps councils with the extra cost of providing services in rural areas. This had cost Devon over £10 million, he said, with funding switched to more urban areas.
In addition, Devon had received the lowest financial settlement of all 21 county councils.
Alistair Dewhirst – alistair.dewhirst@devon.gov.uk
164) PLANNING – Coun.Farrow
District Councillor, Coun.Palethorpe is on the Planning Committee for TDC, so will not comment or vote on any Planning Applications discussed below.
To consider the following planning applications:
The Minutes of the Plans Meeting held on 18th February 2025 were approved and taken as read.
To consider the following planning applications:
To consider the following planning applications:
25/00117/HOU – Demolition of existing workshop and outhouse, erection of two-storey extension, detached garage/workshop, and garden room, and creation of pond and landscaping, access widened at 8, Clampitt Road.
Comment: Coun.Smith proposed that Ipplepen Parish Council have no objection to this application, Seconded by Coun.Mrs.Calland (All unanimous).
APPEAL 24/00067/ENFA – Appeal against grounds B and F against Enforcement Notice 22/00137/ENF at Littlemead, Marldon Road.
Comment: Coun.Farrow proposed that Ipplepen Parish Council send the comments that were submitted previously for the Enforcement appeal. Seconded by Coun.Mrs.Calland (All unanimous).
25/00342/CAN – Removal of quince tree at 4, Wesley Terrace, East Street.
Comment: Coun.Farrow proposed that Ipplepen Parish Council have no objection in principle and will abide by the recommendations of the tree officer, Seconded by Coun.Mrs.Calland (All unanimous).
165) AMENITIES – Coun.Carnell
The Minutes of the Amenities meeting held on 11th February 2025, were approved and taken as read.
- Bowden Road roundabout – Coun.Palethorpe has carried out a letter drop through residents doors. Another letter drop will be done as a vehicle is still parking on the grass area.
- Solar Panels are complete at the Mill Centre.
- Farrow and Coun.Burnham will arrange an inspection of the Mill Centre.
- Fence at end of access road at the Rec Ground has been repaired. Coun.Carnell proposed to put a self- closing gate at the end.
- Park Play equipment inspections have been carried out and will be discussed at the Amenities meeting on Tuesday 11th March 2025.
- Cladding quotes for Recreation Ground toilets, Coun.Carnell have previously got quotes for steel cladding however, it is a lot cheaper to have timber cladding. Coun.Carnell will obtain quotes for timber cladding at present at the Parish Council meeting in April.
- Fencing at rear of the Primary School has been reported to DCC. They are aware and will hopefully be repaired in the new financial year.
- Palethorpe has been approached by a resident about pollarding the Silver Birch trees at the side of the Recreation Ground. Action – Coun.Palethorpe will seek advice from the tree officer at TDC.
- There has been a considerable amount of electrical damage at the Recreation Ground toilet block. A hand dryer and switches have been replaced, however there are still various electrical works that need replacing. Coun.Palethorpe proposed the Parish Council give Coun.Carnell Delegated Authority, to get the repairs carried out, seconded by Coun.Smith (All unanimous).
********Coun.Rattlidge left the meeting at 20.38pm ******
166) SKATE PARK – Parish Clerk
Planning Permission has been granted for the new skate park. The next stage is to apply for funding which Coun.Rattlidge and the Parish Clerk are looking at and are hoping to get an application submitted shortly.
167) FINANCE & PERSONNEL – Coun.Smith
Balance No. £ 7,965.73
MCMC – Reimbursement for electricity £ 39.20
Allotment Tenants – Rent £ 200.00
MCMC – Rentq £ 55.00
DCC – P3 £ 810.00
BANK TR – Transfer from Foredown Road footpath to Mill £ 13,560.00
Centre to pay for Solar Panels
Balance £ 22,629.93
Invoices Received and Approved: £ 20,217.77
Balance: £ 2,412.16
Reserve Account Balance £ 182,207.54
£ 184,619.70
Items to discuss: Nothing to discuss
168) KERSWELLA CARE – Coun.Rattlidge
No report received this month.
169) APPROVE ASSET REGISTER
The current cost for the Football Club, Public toilets, Mill Centre and toilet need updating to the same amount as they covered in the Parish Council insurance and add the current cost of the Power box to £4,000.
Once the amendments have been made all Councillors approved the Asset Register. (All unanimous).
170) DATE OF ANNUAL LITTER PICK
The Annual Litter pick will take place on Sunday 23rd March 2025 at 10am, meeting at the Millennium Centre.
171) SUGGESTIONS FOR PARISH ASSEMBLY SPEAKER
Coun.Carnell proposed the Dog Warden from TDC and Coun.Mrs.Calland proposed to invite Kerswella Care. Action – Clerk to invite both to speak at the Parish Assembly on Thursday 17th April 2025 at 7.15pm at the Millennium Centre.
172) HIGHWAYS & RIGHTS OF WAY – Coun.Smith
- A resident called Coun.Smith to thank the Parish Council for getting the flooding cleared at Bilver Cross.
- Footpath 14 may require some works.
- Dewhirst emailed the Clerk asking if the Lengthsman could clear gullies on two sites. The one at Denbury Cross is not going to be cleared as the land is higher either side of the road, the other area is in the dip just beyond Holmans Wood on the road towards Stoneyhill. Coun.Smith and the Ground Maintenance Contractor will meet on site to assess.
173) PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
A member of the public has asked if the Parish Council can write to our local MP to ask if they can stop cars being parked on footpaths. Coun.Palethorpe will contact the local MP and raise this issue.
174) To note the date of the next PC meeting: Tuesday 1st April 2025 at 7.15pm
Meeting Closed at 21.12pm
