Whitestone Parish Council
Minutes of Parish Council at Whitestone Parish Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 13th March 2025.
Attendance: Chair – Cllr T BairdM Belt, A Evans, M Frankum, C Lang. E Purser, P Stott, T Taylor
Mrs P Vaughan, Clerk to the Council
District Councillor J Parrott
District Councillor K Lake (left at 8.30pm
Ms J Bridewell and Ms L Smith (left at 8.00pm)
Ms M Gibbard, L Blades, S Gibbins, Ms I Pfister
Apologies:- Councillor M Baxendale-Nichols,
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Ms Bridewell was in attendance regarding problems which had been encountered with the storage of the pantomime costumes in the garage at the Hall carpark. It was reported that due to the dampness in the garage this was damaging the costumes which are stored there throughout the year. The pantomime are happy to arrange for work to be carried out to rectify the problem and they are willing to seal the wall and around the roof areas at their own cost. Discussion took place and it was also suggested that perhaps they could change places with the toddler group who also share the garage area.. This would ofcourse have to be negotiated with the toddler group and Cllr Baird said this would be looked into and the Council would report back on the result of investigations.
Ms Innes Pfisher reported on her role as Highways Officer for Devon County Council and spoke regarding issues concerning the roads.
Cllr Baird opened the meeting and the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 13th February 2025 having been circulated were taken as read and signed by the Chair. Cllr Belt wished it noted that Minute 16 should read rubbish in the field at Willow Copse near Edenfields was reported.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR / DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
District Councillor Parrott reported that the Teignbridge budgets have been agreed and that elections would be going ahead. He commented on Atwells Farm and items of planning were discussed.
District Councillor Lake gave a report ad answered questions regarding planning issues.
PLANNING.
Planning Applications
25/00091/FUL Proposed widening of existing access, construction of entrance piers and creation of a new access drive at Hackworthy Farm, Hackworthy Lane.
The following response was sent to Teignbridge District Council:-
Whitestone Parish Council have reviewed this application to create a permanent new access drive to new developments at Hackworthy Farm and make the following observations:
The temporary track was given permission to provide a route for the construction traffic to get to the Hackworthy Farm/Barns site. The permission was granted only if the track was then removed and the agricultural land reinstated. This condition should be adhered to.
The biodiversity loss for providing a permanent road should be measured against the original land prior to the temporary track being put in place to give a more accurate and realistic value. Thus, a biodiversity loss would be registered. In contrast to what has been said in the application, the work has already started with the addition of kerb stones, tarmac and pillars at the entrance, thus hiding the losses already made. The large entrance way is not in keeping with the surrounding area especially so close to the church.
Safety issues with the new entrance opposite a working stable must be considered. The original application states the current access was adequate for the two developments. If that isn’t the case, it should not have been passed in the first place.
More materials will be needed to create the permanent access which in turn will lead to more heavy traffic damaging the local roads. WPC object to the application.
If Teignbridge District Council are minded to grant this permission then the Parish Council would request the following conditions:
Where the entrance has been significantly widened from the original at the entrance onto the public highway the area along the curved paving leading to the gateway should be planted as endemic Devon hedgerow to lead from the Devon hedges present. This would help counter the biodiversity loss from the original placement of what was meant to be a temporary access track. The original track to the farmhouse and barns to be closed and hedging replaced, with improved drainage for runoff water onto the public highway.
NO lighting should be allowed at the gate entrance to protect against light pollution and its effect on biodiversity and dark night skies.
25/00131/FUL Use of existing commercial building for the permitted uses as agricultural engineering business and contractor’s premises and yard to include the retention of the use for MOT testing at Cross Park Farm, Heath Cross. The following response was sent to Teignbridge District Council.
Whitestone Parish Council are opposed and object to this application.
Whitestone Parish Council have reviewed this application (25/00131/FUL) and have the following comments:
This is creeping development on a skyline property with a high visual impact. We believe that MOT testing is already being carried out on the site and in essence this is a retrospective application which, looking back at the history of this site is not an unusual occurrence – many applications appear to be made, retracted and/or put forward retrospectively.
The damage to the highway outside Cross Park Farm going towards Tedburn St Mary is extensive, with the evident concentration of the damage to the road being at the entrance of Cross Park. This damage would seem to have been caused by the turning on and exiting Cross Park with the large commercial vehicles presently using the site. The additional volume of such vehicles associated with the MOT testing centre would further add to the damage and potential accident risks.
Transport - the local transport links to the site and the Heath Cross junction are not adequate for the additional traffic which will result from the site. So, one could argue that if the site is to go ahead there should be improved maintenance of the roads around that area. Currently from a transport route perspective, the site is not setup. The current entrance does not give adequate visibility onto a 60 mph road.
Also, with the raised frontage of both entrances from the road to the yards, this has caused surface water to drain onto the highway, adding further damage to the highway.
The area within which the site is situated is now primarily a residential area, there are close adjoining boundaries to residential properties, and the properties along the adjacent road are residential. Heath Lane below Cross Park is again predominantly residential properties and will particularly be subjected to further noise and increased light pollution, commercial spotlights are evidently on for a significant time after nightfall, easily 10pm.
Light pollution is also a major concern to the biodiversity and dark skies of the locality.
Additional noise generated and emissions/pollutants produced from the site becoming an MOT test centre is not appropriate or safe for the area.
Contamination - Use as an MOT and test centre. It is important that there is the provision of spill prevention for oils and fuels etc because otherwise this could lead to contamination of the ground on agricultural land below.
Will vehicle MOT compliance repair work be carried out at Cross Park Farm? – thus further adding to traffic onto the site, more materials on the site and potentially the need for longer working hours.
In conclusion WPC strongly object to this application. If, however, Teignbridge District Council is minded to approve this application, we would like to see the following conditions adhered to:
To help maintain the locally rich biodiverse environment and counter any disturbance caused by the new business we would encourage incorporating bat boxes and bird/nest boxes into the structure and on the site where appropriate.
The landscaping already proposed for this site should be completed as per previous planning
conditions and enforcements set out by TDC.
Light pollution should be avoided with careful use of internal and external lighting.
Business hours should be restricted to reduce noise and light pollution at antisocial times –
no use of the site on weekdays after 17.30hrs and weekends. A business timings order is already in place for the site.
Any MOT compliance repair work should not be carried out on this site
Repair and maintenance of the local road network must be improved and prioritised.
24/02099/FUL Demolition of agricultural building for change of use to residential and construction of self build detached house with a detached double garage and annexe and associated groundworks, following Class Q consent under application 23/01001/NPA on land south end of Hill Farm, Pound Lane. The following response was sent to Teignbridge District Council
Whitestone Parish Council object to this application as the Class Q consent was given for a specific plan on a specific footprint as per the regulations for such proposals. This new application, however, proposes a very different property with a different footprint out with that of the barn in the original Class Q consent and with a very different elevation/design with little agricultural connection. Far more glazed areas in this design, along with potential need of external lighting connecting garage space and front of house would lead to significant increase in light pollution.
Arguably demolition and new build is more wasteful and needs more materials which than a conversion of a solid barn which leads to significantly worse carbon footprint, ecological effect and biodiversity loss – all factors which go against the climate emergency put forward by TDC and WPC.
Concerns have been raised at the level of potential run off water regardless of comments made.
If minded to grant this application WPC would request the following conditions:
Following recommendations regarding glazing and further controlling the possibility of light pollution and spillage. Care with local biodiversity and encouraging use of bat boxes, bird boxes and
indigenous species for hedge planting. Eco friendly carbon saving building materials and construction methods.
24/02107/HOU Detached double garage and hobby room at East View, Hackworthy Lane. The following response was sent to Teignbridge District Council
Whitestone Parish Council have reviewed this application and make the following points:
Additional building beyond the original footprint permitted in the Class Q application
Additional lighting from external area and extra glazing allowing lighting from within adding to light pollution concerns.
More water drain off the roofing onto adjacent land.
Visibility from Rowhorne Road and thus not ideal.
Concern as not on original planning application which would be contrary to the Class Q submitted.
If minded to grant this application WPC would request the following conditions:-
Following recommendations regarding glazing and further controlling the possibility of light pollution and spillage with guidance on both internal and external lighting
Care with local biodiversity and encouraging use of bat boxes, bird boxes and indigenous species for hedge planting.
Eco friendly carbon saving building materials and construction methods
Grant of Conditional Planning Permission
Erection of barn for machinery and hay storage on land at White Horse.
Refusal of Request for Prior Approval
Application for prior approval under Part 3 Class Q (a) and (b) paragraph W of the GPDO for change of use of one agricultural building for two dwelling houses at Merry View.
Enforcement updates
MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION:
Whitestone Pantomime Club
This issue was discussed at the commencement of the meeting.
Parish Hall funding request for financial support for the painting of the library at a cost of £600.00 was discussed and it was resolved that the sum of £300.00 should be donated and a cheque was duly signed (cheque 793)
Community Garden and Crossway Park
Cllr Lang reported on the prices for work at Crossway Park for replacement equipment and said that pricing was now amended to £10,180.81. After discussion it was agreed by the meeting that this new figure should be accepted.
Bus Stop area
A price of £780 has been quoted for a new oak noticeboard to be placed here and it was resolved that this should be accepted with all in favour. It wa reported that the bench is to be painted and that a Rowan tree has been planted here.
Proposed Waste Disposal Site at Lower Hare Farm, Whitestone,
Councillors Stott, Evans and Purser provided an update on the Council’s response to the Environment Agency consultation regarding the landfill site at Lower Hare Farm. Councillor Evans also provided any update on the external STAWL meeting which took place on the 8th March to discuss the EA consultation.
Whitestone Parish Council Environmental and Planning Report – Lower Hare Farm Waste Disposal Proposal
This document provides planning and environmental objections with relation to the creation of a
landfill site at Lower Hare Farm. This is in relation to the final Environmental Agency consultation on Lower Hare Farm.
Application Reference: EPR/LB3502HT/A001 Consultation Close Date: 10 March 2025
____________________________________________________________________________
- Introduction
This document provides relevant planning objections from Whitestone Parish Council with
reference to the proposed landfill site at Lower Hare Farm. It also provides environmental damages that will result as a result of the permit being granted to GRS Stone Supplies Ltd. This document recognizes the importance of having sites such as those proposed at Lower Hare Farm. There is a necessity for new housing and while, export of topsoil and waste must be minimized via the waste hierarchy method, it is unfortunately to be created due to the construction process. However, there are to be severe environmental and social impacts to the Whitestone Parish if this environmental permit is given. It is understood that the Environment Agency is ‘minded to’ grant the environmental permit. Therefore, this document attempts to find potential solutions which could be implemented by
relevant planning and environmental authorities if the environmental permit is granted.
- Planning Objections
2.1. Increased Traffic and Disruption – Transport Management
The Parish Council believe that the increased traffic and disruption will be detrimental to the community. It is essential that the transport to and from the site (if granted permission) is managed as effectively as possible. We propose a one-way system to the site off of the A30 and along the C50 to site before returning along the C50 onto the A30. It is crucial that vehicles do not pass through Heath Lane or other minor roads as this poses a risk to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
2.2. The A30 Crossing
The current A30 crossing is not fit for purpose. Vehicles using the junction to turn onto the A30
heading East towards Exeter can currently do so effectively (arriving from the C50). However,
vehicles turning off the A30 (Onto the C50) and turning onto the A30 to move towards
Okehampton. Unfortunately, there are not many short-term solutions to this issue besides a
closure of the junction (to turn towards Okehampton) however, this decision would create traffic
that would be diverted through Tedburn, essentially worsening the problem there. Not really
solving it. The only real long-term solution is a change to the A30 junction so that vehicles can
safely join the Okehampton side (via a standard Dual Carriage turn-off or bridge). To further reduce risks on the road operating hours of the site should be limited to avoid peak traffic times. From planning documentation, traffic is to be limited to Monday and Friday and this must be strictly enforced to ensure road safety.
2.3. Road Conditions
The council believes that road conditions could be impaired if excessive mud is added by the vehicles using the landfill site at Lower Hare Farm. To counter this, it is requested that a wheel wash is installed on the site so that vehicles exiting the site do not worsen road conditions creating potential safety issues.
2.4. Local Road Safety
The existing speed limit for Pathfinder Village of 30 mph provides effective road safety for that specific location. The Parish would suggest an extension of the speed limit East to the position of the site to provide better road safety for people exiting Heath Lane and also for cyclist and pedestrian users of the road.
2.5. Original Planning Application
The original planning application accepted was does not conform to the proposed waste disposal from GRS Stone Supplies Ltd. It represents a sharp deviation from the original planning application which specifies both a smaller total quantity of waste and a less damaging waste classification. The granting of this environmental permit must take into account this change.
- Environmental Objections
3.1. Air Emissions
The WPC strongly objects to the dumping of waste at the proposed site. The dumping of a
proposed 100,000 tonnes of waste per year will cause large amounts of vehicle pollution due to the driving of vehicles to and from the proposed site. This will cause issues to the area and worsen the overall standards of air. There is no potential solution for this issue which can be suggested in this report but it is useful to avoid peak travel times if the environmental permit is granted as this will reduce traffic which will in turn reduce emissions.
3.2. Slope Stability The proposed location of for the landfill is on an existing slope. It poses a geotechnical risk if not properly analysed for slope stability. The slope stability of the site, if the environmental permit is accepted, must be continually monitored and any issues of slope stability must herald the shutdown of waste movement operations. This is important to avoid any unplanned collapse of the dump which could pose a risk to site occupants. Furthermore, potential slope reinforcement solutions may be suggested if there is a risk to site occupants
3.3. Waste Type
It is important that the applicant conforms to the waste management plan stated that the waste
is to be inert and not hazardous or detrimental to the environment. This is essential to the
maintenance of the rural area in which the site is to lie. This must be continually monitored if the
environmental permit is granted.
3.4. Water Pollution
The site lies on top of an existing water spring. Proposed waste disposal has already been shown to cause significant pollution to the springs and the disposal of further waste will cause greater amounts of pollution. Therefore, in terms of maintaining water quality in the upper course of the brook which runs out of the site, this disposal site is not conforming to maintenance of the environmental quality of the area.
- Conclusions
The proposed landfill site at Lower Hare Farm should not be granted an environmental permit. The current proposal for the dumping of waste does not conform to the original planning statement as it represents a significant increase in the quantity of waste proposed for the site and the potential environmental damages of the proposed waste. There are a number of environmental concerns to the proposed waste disposal site creating pollution to the water and air around the site. There are also further issues relating to the geotechnical stability of the site if further waste is to be disposed of on the sloping site. There is also potential risk of site contamination to the site as proposed waste may creation further land pollution if not adequately monitored and maintained at an appropriate quality.
Overall, the Whitestone Parish Council takes the view that this proposal should not have received planning permission following the proposed changes detailed in the amended site proposal. We also take the view that there are significant environmental concerns if this project is given approval during this final consultation. We therefore recommend that the environmental approval for this proposal is not accepted. If it is to be accepted, there must be sufficient monitoring processes in place to maintain environmental quality of the site.
Whitestone Parish Council
Councillor Stott then provided the following statement regarding some negative comments that had been made regarding the Council and individual members of the Council.
"The Parish Council had led 2 separate Judicial Reviews against the planning consents at Lower Hare Farm at a significant financial risk. Undertaking both of these reviews was voted to proceed (unanimously by all members of the Council) on the basis that the Council recognised a large number of Parishioners opposed the development.
Furthermore, the Council has now incurred between £5,000 and £10,000 worth of legal costs in pursuing these Judicial Reviews.
However, the Council is not a lobbying body and must respect the opinions of all Parishioners. We have heard from Parishioners who oppose the site and have also heard from Parishioners who are happy for the site to proceed.
We are also responsible for balancing the needs of the community as a whole - this includes making provision to local community clubs, maintaining our assets like the park and school houses, and reflecting concerns around planning. We have a diverse and varied agenda which requires significant time and resource from Councillors to support and the site is one issue, but not all of our issues.
Furthermore, the targeting of individuals on the Parish Council is wholly unfair and doesn’t recognise the work that Councillors have undertaken to not only undertake opposition of the site but maintain a balance with the needs of the wider community as a whole. The Parish Council must be fair to all demands of our time and resources and reflect the requirements of all Parishioners."
Gov.uk domain update
Cllr Stott reported that he is still investigating this with Jock Kirkpatrick.
Asset register
Discussion to update and protect to be discussed at the April meeting
EV points
Cllr Purser is still investigating this issue.
Cleaning outside toilet at rear of the Parish Hall leading into the playground area.
Discussion ensued regarding the cleanliness of the toilets for which the Council pays the Parish Hall cleaner. It was agreed that the issue should be raised with the Parish Hall Committee.
Planning sub-committee
To be discussed at the April meeting.
FINANCE
Bank balances at Nat West Bank as at 28th February 2025
|
Current Account |
£200.00 |
|
Business Reserve Account 1 |
£30,955.84 |
|
Business Reserve Account 2 |
£3,523.73 |
|
£34,679.57 |
Income
2 School Houses rental to 7th March £1,050.00 - £156.00 (includes £21.00 VAT) = £894.00.
2 School Houses rental to 7th April £1,050.00 - £156.00 (includes £21.00 VAT) = £894.00
1 School Houses rental to 2nd April £950.00 - £114.00 (includes £19.00 VAT) = £836.00
Teignbridge District Council – Grant via Cllr Parrott £300.00
Expenditure
The following expenditure was proposed and seconded for payment. All in favour and the cheques were signed by Councillors Bard and Belt
Mr L Blades £289.35 (Lengthsman duties) – cheque 788
Whitestone Parish Hall £380.61 (Council meetings £90.00 Park Facilities £290.61) – cheque 789
Clerk’s quarterly salary and expenses £448.24 – cheque 790
HM Revenue and Customs (Clerk’s income tax on salary £101.40 – cheque 791
Amazon co uk (Duracell batteries for Defibrillator) £33.49 – cheque 792
REPORTS
Cllr Belt raised the title given to Mr Blades for his work for the Parish and wished him to be known as Parish Warden. She also raised the issue of decoration to the Billiard Room at the Parish Hall and said that she has received quotations for the work required which would be brought to the attention of the Parish Council at the April meeting in the hope that they would assist with the cost.
It was brought to the attention of the meeting that residents were letting their dogs loose in the children’s playpark which was resulting in them using it as a toilet..
Cllr Frankum reported that he has applied for P3 Footpath grants from Devon County Council.
Cllr Evans said that it was with regret that he wished to resign from the Council as from tonight but confirmed that he would be willing to assist the Councillor who would take on any of the roles that he was currently concerned with. Cllr Baird thanked him for all the work he had done for the Parish over the past years and hoped that he would still keep in touch.
The meeting closed at 10.00pm.