IPPLEPEN PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Annual Parish Council Meeting held at Ipplepen Millennium Centre
On Tuesday 6th May 2025 at 7.15pm
In attendance:
Coun.Rattlidge (Chairman) Coun.Palethorpe
Coun.Carnell (Vice Chair) Coun.Burnham
Coun.Latter Coun.Smith
Coun.Ranjit Coun.Mrs.Calland
Miss Cat Freston – Parish Clerk
Coun.Palethorpe District Councillor
Two Members of the public present
1) ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN & VICE-CHAIRMAN
Chairman
Nominations were requested by the outgoing Chairman for the position of Chairman of the Council. Coun.Rattlidge was nominated by Coun.Smith and seconded by Coun.Palethorpe and duly elected unanimously.
Vice-Chairman
Coun.Palethorpe nominated Coun.Carnell as Vice-Chairman, which was seconded by Coun.Latter and therefore was duly elected unanimously as Vice Chairman.
2) APOLOGIES – Coun.Farrow, Coun.Jerwood (Apologies approved unanimously).
3) SIGNING OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE FORMS, REGISTER OF INTEREST FORMS
The acceptance of office forms were signed by the Chairman and Vice-Chair and the Register of Interest forms are up-to-date.
4) DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – No declarations of Interest.
5) REVIEW OF ADVISORY GROUPS & REPRESENTATIVES
Finance Highways Amenities
Coun.Smith Coun.Smith Coun.Palethorpe
Coun.Palethorpe Coun.Latter Coun.Carnell
Coun.Mrs.Calland Coun.Rattlidge Coun.Ranjit
Coun.Farrow Coun.Mrs.Calland Coun.Burnham
Coun.Carnell Coun.Jerwood
Coun.Rattlidge Coun.Latter
Coun.Rattlidge
Plans Committee
All Councillors are members of this Committee with the following as named Advisors:
Coun.Calland
Coun.Carnell
Coun.Farrow
Coun.Rattlidge
Coun.Smith
Coun.Jerwood
Coun.Burnham
Millennium Centre Management Committee Community Fund
Coun.Farrow Coun.Farrow
Parish Clerk Coun.Carnell
Coun.Palethorpe
Emergency Team Skate Park
Cat Freston – Co-Ordinator Coun.Calland
Coun.Carnell Coun.Rattlidge
Coun.Palethorpe Coun.Carnell
Coun.Jerwood
Coun.Farrow
REPRESENTATIVES:
Village Hall Coun.Mrs.Calland
Stoneycombe Liaison Group Coun.Smith
Parish Magazine Articles Parish Clerk
Councillor Advocate Scheme Coun.Palethorpe
6) REVIEW CODE OF CONDUCT, STANDING ORDERS & FINANCE REGULATIONS
The Code of Conduct and Standing Orders were reviewed and agreed to be adopted (unanimously). The Finance Regulations were reviewed and agreed unanimously to adopt and the Code of Conduct was reviewed and agreed. Coun.Palethorpe Proposed to adopt and agree all three, seconded by Coun.Smith. (Unanimous).
7) AGENDA’S – CONSENT FROM COUNCILLORS
All Councillors gave consent to receive agenda’s via email. (All unanimous)
8) MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 1st April 2025, were approved and signed by the Chairman.
9) PUBLIC QUESTION TIME – No comments
10) CORRESPONDENCE AND OUTSIDE BODIES – Parish Clerk
- The cleaner of the toilets will be increasing their weekly charge by £10 per week. Coun.Mrs.Calland proposed to accept, seconded by Coun.Carnell. (Agreed Unanimously)
- b) Teignbridge District Council have sent an email regarding pavement licensing. They are now responsible for pavement licensing under the Business and Planning Act 2020. A business which uses (or proposes to use) premises for the sale of food or drink for consumption (on or off the premises) can apply for a licence. Businesses that are eligible include: public houses, cafes, bars, restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops, and ice cream parlours including where such uses form an ancillary aspect of another use, for example supermarkets, or entertainment venues which sell food and drink. A licence permits the business to use furniture placed on the highway to sell or serve food or drink and/or allow it to be used by people for consumption of food or drink supplied from, or in connection with the use of the premises. Businesses that do not use their premises for the sale of food or drink, for example salons, are ineligible. Though they can apply for permission to place furniture on the pavement under the Highways Act 1980 this would be through Devon County Council.
This is a link to the government guidance and here is a link to our webpage. We are also happy for anyone to contact them on the following email
address licensing@teignbridge.gov.uk in the first instance.
- c) A resident has emailed about the grass cutting on the roundabout in Bowden Road. The contractor will cut the whole area and will ensure that the cuttings are cleared up after each cut.
11) DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
District Report – Coun.Palethorpe
Local Election Result – Ipplepen and The Kerswells
It is often said that every vote counts – and that was certainly true in the recent local elections. With turnout below 40%, approximately 4,000 residents voted, while around 6,000 eligible voters chose not to participate in the Ipplepen and the Kerswell County Division.
As the Liberal Democrat candidate, I am of course disappointed by the narrow margin – just 45 votes – by which I missed the opportunity to represent our community as your County Councillor.
Nevertheless, that is democracy in action, and I extend my sincere thanks to all who supported me and offer congratulations to Heather Horner (Reform) on her successful campaign.
As the District Councillor and Deputy Leader of Teignbridge District Council, I remain committed to addressing County Council-related concerns raised by Ipplepen residents.
Please continue to bring such matters to my attention, and I will raise them with my colleagues in the new Liberal Democrats County Council administration.
Devon County Council Elections – Overview
The Devon County Council elections saw all 60 seats across 58 divisions contested. The outcome was a council with no overall control. The new County Council composition is:
- Liberal Democrats – 27 seats
- Reform UK – 18 seats
- Conservative Party – 7 seats
- Green Party – 6 seats
- Independents – 2 seats
- Labour Party – 0 seat
Teignbridge Leisure – Growth and National Recognition
Teignbridge Leisure now has over 5,400 active members – the highest number in its history.
It has retained its Enhancing Education Partner status from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), the highest rating under CIMSPA’s Quality Assurance Framework.
This reflects:
- High standards in staff training
- Quality delivery of sports and fitness courses
- Strong commitment to developing future professionals
Public Art in Newton Abbot – Enhancing Community Spaces
I am very pleased as the Culture Lead for Teignbridge that two major public art projects have been completed funded by Teignbridge District Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund:
- The Community Tree – Golden Lion Square
- Created by local artist Joe Webster (EnuF)
- A 16-metre mural commemorating a historic oak tree removed to make way for the Newton Abbot War Memorial over a century ago
- Community workshops supported the project
- Keyberry Road Subway Mural
- One side features artwork by Caroline Brady
- The opposite wall presents photo collages and oral histories curated by Kate Green (Newton Abbot Museum)
- QR codes link to interactive audio stories
These are part of 32 projects delivered through the Teignbridge Arts Project, which has engaged more than 10,000 residents.
Queen Street Enhancements – Final Phase
The Queen Street improvements are now substantially complete. Highlights include:
- Seven blossoming Juneberry trees, now maintained regularly
- Improved Blue Badge parking:
- Two new bays near the War Memorial crossing
- Three bays relocated from Phoenix Sounds to Courtenay Street
- Existing bays retained at Victoria Place and nearby car parks
Following discussions with residents my request to install, ‘raised rumble’ tactile strips to support visually impaired users has been agreed. A final Road Safety Audit will be conducted, with no further major works anticipated unless recommended.
Bradley Lane – Demolition Complete, Remediation Underway
Demolition of disused and non-economic industrial buildings on Bradley Lane has been completed. Remediation works are underway and expected to finish by August.
The cleared site will be available to provide affordable and social housing to help address the district’s housing list, which has now reached almost 2,000 people/families looking for a secure home.
- A purpose-built Bat House has been installed
- No bats were found during surveys, but historical signs of Lesser Horseshoe bats were recorded
- The Bat House meets biodiversity obligations and will be monitored regularly
This project demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainable development on an important brown field development site and to wildlife protection.
Scam Warning – QR Code Parking Fraud
Important warning for all residents and visitors:
Fraudulent QR codes have been found on parking signage in the region, linking to scam websites that seek to capture payment information.
- Teignbridge District Council does not use QR codes for parking.
- Only use the RingGo app or official council signage to pay for parking.
Devon Loves Dogs – National Recognition
The Devon Loves Dogs campaign has received national recognition from the Forestry Commission for its work promoting responsible dog walking.
Public Health Notice – Be Tick Aware
As we enter peak tick season (March–October, especially May–June), please take the following precautions to avoid bites that may lead to Lyme disease or other infections:
- Use insect repellent
- Wear long sleeves and trousers
- Stick to marked paths
- Check yourself and pets for ticks after outdoor activities
- Seek medical attention if you notice a bullseye-shaped rash or flu-like symptoms
Please do not hesitate to get in touch over any issues you wish to raise with either Teignbridge District Council and/or Devon County Council.
David Palethorpe
Cllr for Ipplepen – Teignbridge District Council
County Report – No report
12) 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 16th April 2025 were approved and taken as read.
To consider the following planning applications:
25/00653/CLDE – Certificate of lawfulness to establish implementation of Planning Permission 22/00910/FUL (conversion of the existing barns to create a flexible complex of up to three luxury holiday lets, games room and barn to an estate office ground floor, and ancillary apartment above) in compliance with condition 1 at Bow Grange ,Littlehempston.
The above Planning Application will be discussed at the Plans meeting on Wednesday 14th May 2025, 7pm at the Millennium Centre.
13) AMENITIES – Coun.Carnell
The Minutes of the Amenities meeting held on 8th April 2025, were approved and taken as read.
- a) Ippleplanet –
1) Watering the 2 trees in the Long Field – Coun.Carnell advised that there were no issues with entering small field and parking a vehicle on the road owner by the Parish Council to enable closer access to be achieved with water containers.
2) Rocks in Long Field – The Amenities Committee agreed that they are happy to leave rocks in-situ at this moment.
3) Fruit Trees in Allotment donated to IpplePlanet by DWT – Coun.Palethorpe advised that the allotment (half) plot will still be available adjacent to tree nursery which can be used. Suggested Amenities work with Ippleplanet so it can be planned. Coun.Palethorpe to provide and annotate planting map for clarity.
4) Other Trees in the Allotment – Coun.Palethorpe confirmed that the Amenities Committee are fully aware that the trees are not the responsibility of IpplePlanet and that we intend to use the trees available in the nursery and relocate around the village at a later date.
- b) Mill Centre fence – The Parish Council can offer potential contractors to Ipplepen Primary School. The Parish Council are happy for the school to go ahead.
- c) Gateway along Orley Road, is in hand and will be done in the next couple of weeks.
- d) Mill Centre inspection has been carried out by Coun.Farrow and Coun.Burnham. A report will be issued in due course.
- e) To discuss and the quotes received for the repairs/replacement of the fencing at the Cricket Club, Ipplepen – Three companies have tendered for the works.
Tender A – £4,100.00
Tender B – £4,100 + VAT
Tender C – £2,850.00 + VAT
RESOLUTION: Coun.Palethorpe proposed to accept Tender C, seconded by Coun.Mrs.Calland (all unanimous). The clerk advised that the successful tender was Project Build. Action – The clerk to contact Project Build to let them know they were successful. Coun.Palethorpe proposed the Parish Council fund the fencing, seconded by Coun.Mrs.Calland, (all unanimous)
- f) Play park equipment – new roundabout, Coun.Latter dealing with this.
- g) DAA Lights are now working.
- h) Allotment camera – The wildlife camera has since been removed and was only placed to gauge what type of birds were going onto their allotment.
- i) Gate now closing at Recreation Ground.
- j) The Parish Council would like to say a big ‘Thank you’ to Bruce Hooker for monitoring the Defibrillators around the Village.
- k) New instructions were given to the Grass Cutting Contractor to cut the grass to the edges of the Recreation Ground park, to avoid the brambles/rubbish taking over and the perimeter becoming dangerous to children.
14) FINANCE & PERSONNEL – Parish Clerk
Balance No. £ 13,481.45
MCMC – Reimbursement for electricity £ 41.71
Mill Centre – Rent £ 110.00
TDC – Precept Payment for first half of 2025/2026 £ 37,190.00
Football Club – Rent £ 150.00
Allotment Rent £ 80.00
Scouts – Rent £ 125.00
ICC – Rent £ 112.50
Western Power – Wayleave £ 2.90
Balance £ 51,293.56
Invoices Received and Approved: £ 7,453.07
Balance £ 43,840.49
Reserve Account Balance £ 184,235.11
£ 228,075.60
Items to discuss:
- a) To approve the use of BACS for payment of all invoices – Coun.Smith proposed to agree and approve, seconded by Coun.Palethorpe (all unanimous).
15) HIGHWAYS & RIGHTS OF WAY
- Footpath cuts will be carried out in late Spring.
- Road Maintenance – Conniford Lane/Biltor Road the surface of the road has all come off the road and the chippings have not been tidied up. Action – Coun.Smith to conduct a letter to send to DCC Highways.
16) PUBLIC QUESTION TIME – No comments
17) To note the date of the next PC meeting: Tuesday 3rd June 2025 at 7.15pm
Meeting Closed at 20.16pm