MINUTES OF ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY
HELD ON THURSDAY 17th APRIL 2025
AT 7.15pm
AT THE MILLENNIUM CENTRE
In attendance: Coun.Palethorpe (Chairman)
Coun.Carnell (Vice-Chair)
Coun.Rattlidge
Coun.Smith
Coun.Latter
The Clerk: Miss.Cat.Freston
District Councillor: Coun.Palethorpe
County Councillor: Coun.Dewhirst.
One Member of the Public were in attendance
Apologies: Coun.Burnham, Coun.Mrs.Calland, Coun.Farrow, Coun.Ranjit, Coun.Jerwood.
Chair: Coun.Palethorpe
Minutes: The Minutes of the last Assembly held on Thursday 18th April 2024, were taken as
read and approved.
The Chairman welcomed everyone present at the meeting.
SPEAKER: Gill Gould from Kerswella Care
In 2017 KingsCare League of Friends in Kingsteignton recognised the need for more support for socially isolated and vulnerable residents in the Kingskerswell area. They were receiving referrals to help needy people in Kingskerswell area particularly with shopping, befriending, support post dis-charge etc. Through consultations with the local community and community organisations, it became clear that a need for more support was needed in the Kingskerwell area. In May 2017 Kingscare applied for funding from the Lottery. The Big Lottery for All Grant was awarded in July 2017. The funding was to cover a Coordinator salary for up to 12 hours per week for the one year pilot and Kingskerswell Surgery offered office space for the Coordinator to work from. In October 2017 a Coordinator (Gill Gould) was appointed to work with the continued support and guidance from Kingscare League of Friends. In 2018, eight volunteers were recruited and a support group was formed. In 2018 Kerswella opened a memory Café in Kingskerswell. In 2019 as Assistant Coordinator was appointed for 10 hours a week to help manage social activities and 30 volunteers were on Kerswella Care records. In 2020 the start of the pandemic (Covid), were social activities and transport services were closed down in line with Government advice. In 2021 Ipplepen Sharing Care Group asked Kerswella to take on their surgery transport and befriending service. Ipplepen Memory Café needed a Coordinator and a treasurer and funding was received from various sources. In 2022 Kerswella became a registered charity with a board to oversee Governance, planning, compliance, strategic outlook, financials etc and were independent of KingsCare.
In 2023 Kerswella worked on compiling an application with a 3 year Lottery Community Fund Grant to offer equal support between Kingskerswell and Ipplepen. The grant was approved in December with funding starting on 1st April 2024.
Kerswella offer Memory Café s, transport trips to get people to their social activities, transport to medical appointments, day trips, Grief Cafés, Digital drop-in, Trailblazers and befriending visits in Ipplepen and Kingskerswell. Kerswella have 50 volunteers, 7 trustees and 3 part-time coordinators working a total of 51 hours per week.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Coun.Palethorpe
This will be my final report as Chair of Ipplepen Parish Council.
I wish to take this opportunity to formally thank all members of the Council for their support and commitment throughout my time in this role.
I would particularly like to express my appreciation to our Parish Clerk, Cat Freston, for her professionalism, diligence, and consistent support over the past few years.
It has been an honour to serve as Chair, and I will formally hand over to a new Chair at the Annual Meeting of the Council in May.
I am confident that the Council will continue to thrive under new leadership and build on the progress we have made together.
While individual committee chairs will report in more detail on their areas of responsibility, I would like to highlight several key achievements and activities during my tenure:
- Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP):
The Ipplepen Neighbourhood Development Plan (led by Cllr Steve Rattlidge) was successfully passed by referendum in May 2023 and has now been adopted as part of the emerging Local Plan for Teignbridge District Council. This provides important protection for the village and surrounding countryside from speculative development and reflects the priorities of our community. - Play Areas and Equipment:
The Council has continued (thanks to the amenities team led by Cllr Roger Carnell) to improve our play areas, which remain well-used and appreciated by parishioners of all ages. - Public Toilets:
The Council continues to manage and maintain two toilet blocks — one at the Recreation Ground and one at Clampitt Road. The Clampitt Road toilets have recently undergone a full refurbishment to a high standard. - Skate Park Redevelopment:
The condemned skate park has been removed, and work is now well underway towards installing a new concrete wheeled sports facility. This will be a significant asset for local young people and the wider community. - Footpath Improvements:
Under the leadership of Cllr Dennis Smith, a new footpath has been completed alongside the A381, improving access to the golf course and Fermoy’s Garden centre. - Environmental Commitment – Solar Project:
Thanks to Cllr Dave Burnham, solar panels have been installed on the roof of the Millennium Centre. These panels will provide sustainable energy for the Centre and for the adjacent Recreation Ground toilet block, in line with the Council’s environmental goals. - Support for Local Events and Organisations:
The Parish Council has continued its support for the Village Show, IppleTipple, the Carnival Club, and other community events. My thanks to all involved in these organisations which bring prestige and vibrancy to the village and are widely admired across the district. - Community Groups:
I would like to extend thanks to the football club, the bowls clubs, and a special thanks to the Scouts, Guides, and Rangers — for their contributions, especially during key events such as Remembrance Sunday. - Allotments:
The Council has installed additional water facilities at the allotments, recognising the value they bring to the community and the increasing demand for local growing space. - The Hub:
Whilst separate from the Parish Council I would like to thank the Hub which continues to play a vital role in supporting residents, particularly those who may experience isolation. I thank the Hub Committee and all associated groups — including Kerswella Care — for their excellent work and commitment to community wellbeing. - Financial Management:
Over the last few years, the average annual increase in the Parish precept has remained just above 3%. This reflects the Council’s awareness of the economic pressures facing households and our commitment to delivering value for money. - County Council Support:
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the long-standing support provided by our County Councillor, Alistair Dewhirst. On behalf of the Parish Council, I thank him for his 15 years of dedicated service and wish him good health and happiness in his retirement following his decision to stand down on 1st May.
Once again, it has been a privilege to chair this Council.
I remain committed to Ipplepen and wish the incoming Chair and Vice-Chair the very best of luck.
COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT – Coun.Dewhirst
After nearly fifteen years as a local Councillor, and twelve years as your County Councillor, this will be my final report to you in that role.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone for your help and kindness over the years—you’ve truly been my eyes and ears, and I could not have done the job effectively without your support. Local government doesn’t always see things the way our communities do, and I fully understand the frustration when progress feels slow. But despite the challenges, I can honestly say I’ve loved every minute. Representing our community has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
Being elected to the County Council in May 2013 was a significant step up from my time on the District Council, but it was a challenge I embraced wholeheartedly. In 2017, I had the privilege of being appointed Chair of Scrutiny. While not a particularly public-facing role, it was fascinating and often demanding work—representing backbench colleagues across a large council. I’m especially proud of our groundbreaking work on Child Sexual Exploitation and Problem Gambling.
Finally, I would like to thank the late Cllr Phil Cook and his wife, Cllr Sheila Cook, for teaching me so much about campaigning and standing up for our communities. I’m also deeply grateful to Cllr Alan Connett, my mentor, who taught me everything I know about local government. Obviously I have worked closely with our Parish Council and their Clerk – their knowledge and experience of Ipplepen have been invaluable and working with them has been such a pleasure.
Thank you again for the trust and support you’ve shown me. It’s been an incredible journey.
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – Coun.Palethorpe
March has been a busy month at Teignbridge with the adoption of the Budget for 2025/26.
I had the pleasure of visiting Coombe Head Academy in Newton Abbot to meet with young people involved in the District Council’s Safer Spaces initiative, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
This project has been focused on two significant issues,
Giving young people a voice and building positive relationships between them and the police and preventing Violence Against Women and Girls.
Discussions have centred around acceptable behaviour, misogyny, and its impact on society.
As the Executive Member responsible for the initiative my visit aimed to explore how trust can be built between youth and the police, with support from the police and Young Devon who have delivered the project.
It was really insightful and informative to hear from Inspector James Johnson about the challenges the police face and the pressures the young people feel themselves to be under.
Perhaps it’s worth remembering that those who complain about “young people today,” that we are only talking about a minority, that we were once in their shoes, and these young people are our children and grandchildren, who live in a world we have provided them.
Other things that have taken place this month,
New Dawlish Bridge Named ‘Sweet Violets’
A new bridge over Shutterton Brook in Dawlish has been officially named Sweet Violets Bridge, honouring Dawlish’s historic violet industry that supported ex-servicemen after WWI and helped supply Covent Garden with fresh blooms.
Seasonal Dog Bans Begin 1 April
Dogs will be restricted from Teignmouth, Shaldon, Dawlish, and Dawlish Warren beaches from 1st April to 30 September. Alternative dog-friendly areas include Ness Cove, Holcombe, and Teignmouth River Beach.
County Council Elections – 1 May
Nominations close 2 April at 4pm, with candidate lists published on 3 April. Register to vote by 11 April at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Pop-Up Business Tenders Closed
Applications for 2025–26 seasonal pop-up sites have closed. For future opportunities, email: assets@teignbridge.gov.uk.
Climate Hub Spring Actions Live
New seasonal ideas to reduce your carbon footprint now online. Sign up for the latest newsletter and get involved: www.teignbridge.gov.uk/climatehub
VE Day 80 – Tip Top Towns
Communities encouraged to celebrate VE Day on 5 May with local events, decorations, and street parties. Share activity with #VE80 to receive a participation certificate.
Avian Flu Alert
A wild bird in Torbay has tested positive for avian flu. Report dead birds via the DEFRA website or call 03459 33 55 77. Do not touch dead birds and follow strict biosecurity if keeping poultry.
FINANCE REPORT – Coun.Smith
The balance at the end of the financial year 2023/2025 stands at £13,481.45 in the working account which includes outstanding VAT The allocated reserve account currently holds £184.235.11, including £2027.57 in interest. Therefore, our total financial assets stand at £197,716.56.
A number of projects have been carried out during the year. The complete refurbishment of the public conveniences in Clampitt Road – basically fix it or close it. The removal and replacement of some play equipment due to the annual ROSPA inspection identifying problems caused by aging and the amount of use – which is a good thing.
The Council have identified a company who will install a new wheeled sports area for us, which will put some strain on our budget, but will set us up for a good many years to come. The Finance Committee met in the autumn and agreed a precept for 2025/26 be set at £74,380 (an increase of 1.5%) paid to us by Teignbridge District Council in two instalments at the end of April and September 2025.
The Grass Cutting has been increased from £5,000 to £5,500. The £9,000 for the Skate Park project from 24/25 will be transferred into the Reserve Account bringing the total to £95,000. Your council has agreed to set aside £50,000 match funding for the first phase of the project in the expectation that we should be able to get some grant funding.
The council has agreed to £1500.00 for a parish lengths-man who can be called upon in the
event of flooding issues.
Millennium Centre
£3,000 has been allocated for 25/26 to carry out works that may be required following an inspection. We now have solar panels on the Millennium Centre for which we have received a substantial grant towards the capital cost. It is expected that this will go a long way towards reducing our utility costs for the building.
In closing, I should like to record my thanks to Cat, our Clerk and RFO, for all her hard work in helping to keep our finances in good shape, and to the committee for their work in setting the precept.
PLANS REPORT – Coun.Farrow
The Planning Committee have, this year, commented upon thirty-three planning applications, a decrease on the previous year of twelve applications; to the majority we have commented favourably, others we have not. This is the second year running where the number of applications has reduced. We have, again this year, seen numerus applications for work to trees. This is a cause for concern where the applicant is requesting the removal of a mature tree.
We have seen very few applications for Certificates of Lawful Development, a trend the Planning Committee welcome. Although we are not required to comment on this category of application; they can be contentious and controversial and we have felt on occasions, the need to comment.
Recommendations for these and all other applications are not given without full discussion, either at the monthly Planning Committee meeting or a Full Parish Council and if the need arises a site visit. To this end, when a particular recommendation is made at a Planning Committee meeting or a Full Parish Council and to have it overturned by Teignbridge District Council later, you could think ‘why do we bother’. Your Planning Committee do ‘bother’ because we want what is right for Ipplepen; we love our village and will continue to fight to maintain its character and unique nature.
We are still having to comment upon Retrospective Planning Applications, although the number has reduced. We are concerned that there is still the attitude of ‘you can build anything anywhere and get away with it’. The Planning Committee together with the Full Parish Council are still concerned at the lack of Planning Enforcement being taken by Teignbridge District Council; this has been noted by other Town and Parish Councils.
Although Ipplepen Parish Council is only a consultee in respect of all planning applications we like to think that our opinions and recommendations are listened to by Teignbridge District Council and form part of their final decision.
Town and Parish Councils are now able to ‘call-in’ planning applications which they consider need to be decided upon by Committee and not on the recommendation of the Planning Officer. Ipplepen Parish Council will use this power only if agreed necessary by the full Parish Council.
Our Neighbourhood Plan is in operation and the Planning Committee is mindful of the contents of this document when reviewing and commenting upon planning applications.
The Parish and Town Council Planning Forum, led by Teignbridge District Council, has held various meetings during the year covering subjects such as Community Infrastructure Levy and how Town and Parish Councils can employ their share within the community; the Planning Application Process and the role of Teignbridge District Council and Enforcement and the difficulties encountered. Members of the Planning Committee have attended these Forums and participated in the sometimes-lively discussions.
Finally, I would like to thank my fellow councillors who have served on the Planning Committee for their time and effort over the past year and would like to reassure the Parish that we will continue to look after their interests, as far as we are able, in respect of planning matters.
RE-APPROVAL OF PLANNING GUIDELINES
There were no changes to the present Planning Guidelines for Ipplepen.
HIGHWAYS – Coun.Smith
When necessary the Highways Advisory group have been meeting on a bi-monthly basis, both to pursue projects and to endeavour to keep on top of issues, in particular those created by the increase in the number of violent heavy rainstorms we are experiencing on a regular basis.
These storms have brought excessively strong downpours which have been causing flash flooding and damage to the surface of the highways. There are now a number of roads within the village boundary that flood on a regular basis with easements onto surrounding land being unable to cope as the land becomes more and more saturated.
The County Council now prioritise the dangers of flood water entering property, such as risk to health and damage to property, over and above water lying in country lanes.
Your parish council has agreed to set £1500 aside to pay our contractor should he be called upon to clear easements and/or buddle holes that have become blocked.
If any of you have been affected by flood water entering your property, please use the DCC Report site detailing the following information:
The date and location that the flooding occurred
- If any properties were flooded internally (and the addresses of these properties, if known)
- Any key roads which were affected
- Photographs (if possible)
- Any other information you feel would be relevant.
To report flooding of the highway and blocked drains contact Devon County Council’s Highway Customer Service Centre on 0345 155 1004 or visit the Flooding and Drainage Pages on the County Council website.
Another issue affecting the quality of the road surfaces and footways is the number of bursts that Southwest Water are experiencing. In the past twelve months there have been bursts on Moor Road, Clampitt Road, East Street and Croft Road all of which cause inconvenience on one way or another.
The annual public rights of way inspections have been carried out and all come back as usable. Devon County Council have only recently employed a new manager and superintendent to cover the South area, and it will take them a while to catch up with the backlog. Public footpath 8 is currently causing us issues as the storm drainage beneath has collapsed. Drainage that doesn’t seem to be recorded on the Southwest Water system.
Concerns continue to be raised regarding the violation of the twenty mile per hour speed limit. The County Highways department have suggested that having vehicles park such that they create a chicane is the most economical way forward. The Parish Council is at this time trialling the use of vehicle activated speed signs. Currently we have one situated in East Street but unfortunately the installers have set it at thirty MPH instead of twenty. However, we are working to get the speed changed so that the data provided will give a better idea of the perceived problem.
In closing I thank Cllr Mrs Calland, Cllr Latter and Cllr Rattlidge for their commitment and, as we are now into the growing season, remind residents whose garden hedges and bushes encroach onto the pavements and highways that they should keep them trimmed back, taking care not to disturb any nesting birds.
AMENITIES REPORT – Coun.Carnell
I am pleased to say, winter 2024 has passed with very little need of the grit spreader and little or no other winter related issues to report.
In the last twelve months a lot of the Parish Council amenity group’s time and efforts revolved around the Village recreational areas once more, which are thankfully well used and therefore always in need of general maintenance and repair work.
The remainder of the skate park has now been removed, and every effort is to be made during the coming year to raise further finance and arrange for a suitable replacement.
A contract has now been agreed for the replacement of the timber cladding on the main toilet block in the park and this work will soon be commencing.
A new exterior CCTV system was installed in the park in March.
Solar panels have been installed on the roof of the Mill Centre which provides a supply for the building and the toilet block in the park.
Earlier in the year the goal posts in the park were removed these have now been replaced.
New electric sockets have also been placed in the park to assist the Annual Garden show.
Work on the Clampitt Road toilet block refurbishment was completed, and they reopened on the 10th of December 2024.
Work to clear the verge on the A381 was completed.
And a position of Parish lengthsman was established and filled to aid with other various road maintenance tasks around the Parish.
The Amenities Sub Committee with the aid of the Parish Council has also inspected Parish Properties, overseen work contracts within the Parish and carried out various other general maintenance tasks.
On behalf of the Parish, I would wish to thank all members of the Amenities Group for the time that they give freely to the Community, often behind the scenes and completely un-noticed.
Finally, I would also like to thank all other members of the Parish Council and our Clerk for their support throughout the year.
OPEN FORUM
No comments or questions.
The meeting closed at 20.27pm.