Whitestone Parish Council

Draft Minutes of Whitestone Parish Council held at Whitestone Parish Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 8^th May 2025 to be ratified on 12^th June 2025

Attendance: Councillors T Baird, M Baxendale Nichols, M Belt, M Frankum, C Lang, E Purser, P Stott, T Taylor
Mrs P Vaughan, Clerk to the Council.
District Councillor John Parrott
Apologies:- County Councillor Alan Connett

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

28. Cllr Tracey Baird, retiring Chair, declared the Annual General Meeting open and called for nominations for Chair for the coming year.

28.1 Election of Chair

Cllr Baird was proposed and seconded . All in favour.

Cllr Baird was thereby elected and signed her declaration of office as Chair and called for nominations for Vice Chair

28.2 Election of Vice Chair

Cllr Mary Belt was proposed and seconded. All in favour. Cllr Belt was thereby elected and signed her declaration of acceptance of office of the role of Vice Chair..

The Chair then proceeded to the business of the Parish Council Meeting

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

29. Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 10th April and the Annual Parish Meeting held on 24^th April 2025 having been circulated were taken as read and signed as a true copy by the Chair.

30. Election of officers for 2025/26 took place as follows:-

30.1 Asset Group

Councillors Belt, Purser,Taylor proposed and seconded. All in favour

30.2 Footpath Warden

Councillor Frankum was proposed and seconded. All in favour.

30.3 Church House Foundation Member

Councillor Belt were proposed and seconded. All in favour

30.4 Crossway Park Officer

Councillors Baxendale Nichols and Taylor were proposed and seconded. All in favour.

30.5 Parish Hall Committee

Proposed and seconded that Councillors Belt, Stott, Purser and Lang be elected en bloc.

All in favour.

30.6 Parish Hall Liaison Member

Councillor Belt was proposed and seconded. All in favour.

30.7 Liaison with Parish Lengthsman

Councillors Belt and Bxendale Nichols were proposed and seconded. All in favour

30.8 Responsible Financial Officer

Mrs P Vaughan proposed and seconded. All in favour.

30.9 Internal Independent Auditor

Mr R Cox. All in favour.

31. REPORT FROM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR

Councillor Parrott gave a report and stated that the allocation of Community Funds will shortly be opening.

32. PLANNING – TEIGNBRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL

These applications can be viewed on line by going into the public access system at Teignbridge Planning following the directions giving the application reference. The following applications having been received from Teignbridge District Council with a request for comments were examined and responses were sent which can be viewed on Teignbridge District Council Planning site:-

32.1 25/00649/FUL Retention of widening of existing access, construction of entrance piers and creation of a new access drive at Hackworthy Farm, Hackworthy Lane.

This planning application relates to a new entrance and access system for an existing development at Hackworhy Farm. The Council has discussed and considered this planning application and the following comments from members of the Council are as follows:-

Concerns regarding construction process

Existing access point – There is already an existing access which has been put forward for renovation to improve existing access. The WPC sees no reason for a secondary access point for the proposed development as the initial track is seen as sufficient for the proposed development given its original usage in agriculture. There are improvements that can be made to the existing point as noted in the access technical note which are suitable.

Proposed Access Point – whilst not a concern it should be noted that the planned access does conmect to a low-usage road with sufficient visibility of 45m to 90m either side.

Damaging Materials – should the plan be given approval the placement of materials to form thje access point will involve unnecessary loss of existing grassland and soil damage.

Environmental Concerns

Hedgerow – As mentioned in the technical note there will be the cutting back of existing hedgerow and this must be mitigated against by planting of new hedgerows. The proposal includes the planting of a new Devonshire hedgerow on one side of the track. The WPC approves of this but would like to see hedges planted on both sides of the proposed track. Hedging noted in the proposal which will act to improve the environment so there is s clear intent from the owners of Hackworthy Farm to improve the hedging in this scheme.

Access Drive Material – The usage of recycled aggregates for the access drive surface material is encourage to mitigate environment impacts of the proposed development and reduce resource usage.

Water – Sufficient drainage must be installed as noted in the proposals to ensure that there is compliance with highways standards.

Light – No lighting is proposed so this is not a noted concern of WPC. It is important that lighting is avoided as a part of the scheme.

Community Impact

Visual Impact – The proposed track currently has an existing visual impact which is clearly visible from the Rowhorne Road to the North. The planting of new hedgerows as a part of the proposal must be enforced to mitigate the visual impact.

Access (Visual Impact of Entrance) – The proposed stone piers are not in-keeping with the rural nature of the area. A more suitable entrance recommended by WPC would include conventional timber gate and gatepost system or a reduction to the size of the stone piers. This is something that is encouraged by WPC.

Legality Issues

Previous WPC Concerns – The WPC has previously raised concerns about the temporary entrance and this planning is a retrospective application. If itwere required, it should have originally been a part of the original application.

Existing Track – Should planning be granted for this new track, then the previously used access must be closed off and this will allow for the creation of a devon bank to promote wildlife.

Conclusions

Discussion at WPC – The WPC believes that the existing entrance is sufficient for the development at Hackworthy Farm. There have been a number of objections noted by Parishioners which the WPC would like to be noted in this document.

Following discussions during the Whitestone Parish Council meeting (Date of Meeting 08/05/2025), Whitestone Parish Council does not support this application

32.2 25/00654/FUL Retention of access track and erection of storage building at Cherry Trees.

Whitestone Parish Council has discussed and considered this planning application. The following comments have been received by members of the Council and are summarised below:

Construction Process

Site Traffic – Concerns are raised about the existing access position and its feasibility for greater amounts of construction traffic due to its location on the Whitestone Road (specifically the corner to the West of the site).

Materials – The usage of timber cladding is good for the environmental impact of the construction to take place. There is no evidence in the proposal of the usage of potentially damaging materials.

Environmental Concerns

Excavations – Owing to the slope of the site, this is likely to cause significant amounts of excavations which will cause waste disposal issues including traffic from the site and dust etc. This will cause pollution to the environment in both noise and dust.

Biodiversity Loss – There is a risk of loss of hedgerow and trees on the current site owing to the construction of the new barn. This must be avoided and/or mitigated against in line with the biodiversity statement in the Teignbridge planning documentation.

Water – Proposed site is to involve a new storage area. It must be ensured there is adequate drainage and any potential chemical spills on the site are avoided to prevent contamination of the site. There is no note regarding what is to be stored in this site.

Drainage – It must be ensured that, given the size of the shed, there is adequate drainage to avoid outflow onto the adjacent highway. The soakawayproposed is not able to provide sufficient drainage for the site. There is an existing gulley near to the site which has been blocked and should be unblocked if possible. This is an issue that has been raised to Teignbridge District Council as a separate measure to this application.

Light – There is no extra lighting, however, the barn doors facing to the North of the site will reduce light pollution onto the road.

Community Impact

Visual Impact – There is a visual impact as a result of the construction of this new storage facility. The property is located on the top of a hill and is clearly visible from the lane to the North and the properties to the South. However, owing to the existing structures on the site it is to be limited in impact.

Nature of the Area – The construction of this style of storage barn is in keeping with the rural character of the area.

Necessity for Storage Barn – It is clear that the owner, with a number of tools such as hedge trimmers and mowers requires a storage area to adequately and safely store this equipment. However, the WPC does not believe this size storage barn to be proportional to the requirement for space.

Conclusions

Whitestone Parish Council has encouraged members of the community to post individual issues or challenges with this proposed development directly on the planning forum.

We leave the technical planning considerations to be reviewed by qualified planners at Teignbridge District Council.

Discussion at WPC Meeting – Discussions relating to the existing drainage and the necessity for such a large site has been carried out. Following a WPC meeting on 8 May 2025 Whitestone Parish Council does not support this application. However WPC would support this application if there is sufficient drainage installed and the proposal is reduced in size to better reflect the need for storage.

32.3 25/00439/MAJ Redevelopment of existing golf course including revisions to course layout, addition of separate short course and additional practice facilities at Fingle Glen Golf Course, Tedburn St Mary.

This planning response relates to proposed developments planned at the Fingle Glen Hotel located to the South West of the village of Whitestone. This area is a part of the Whitestone Parish.Whitestone Parish Council has discussed and considered this planning application. The following comments have been received by members of the Council and are summarised below:

Construction Process

Employment – The proposed construction to take place on the site will generate significant amounts of employment for people within the Parish as well as outside.

Traffic – Traffic to and from the site is an issue, however, relatively safe access can be provided via the A30 and the C50. The safe movement of traffic avoiding country lanes which have mixed usage must be encouraged as a part of the works.

Environmental Concerns

Environment – The proposed regrading and course improvement works will act to improve the environment with new water features and wildflower meadows. There are also a number of existing woodland blocks and water features which are to be maintained as a part of the scope of works.

Scrubland Clearing – WPC is not in favour of proposed scrubland clearing plans which will degrade the existing environment.

Community Impact

Employment – The existing Fingle Glen business serves as a provider of local employment and serves members of the local community. It is therefore good to continue this business for the benefit of members of the Parish and beyond.

Visual Impact – There is a limited visual impact to be found as a result of this scheme. In many ways, due to the construction of new water bodys and wildflower meadows, the visual impact is to be improved.

Conclusions

Whitestone Parish Council has encouraged members of the community to post individual I ssues or challenges with this proposed development directly on the planning forum. We leave the technical planning considerations to be reviewed by qualified planners at Teignbridge District Council.

Whitestone Parish Council discussed this planning application on the 8 May 2025 and supports this application.

32.4 25/00612/NPA and 25/00613/NPA Application for Prior Approval under Part 3 Class Q (a) and (b) paragraph W of the GPDO change of use of an agricultural building to one larger dwelling house at Devon View

This planning response from Whitestone Parish Council relates to the conversion of an existing agricultural building located at Devon View into a single large dwelling / house. This is proposed for 2 existing barns, named East and West Barn on the site. What 3 words position of the property is bespoke – fattening – heavy for reference to Parish Councillors.

Whitestone Parish Council has discussed and considered this planning application. The following comments have been received by members of the Council and are summarised below:

Construction Process

Materials – The construction process is to reduce usage of material by retaining the existing metal cladding face (with changes for windows and doors etc). This represents a significant reduction in resource usage and potential damage to the environment.

Site Access – The existing site access at the South of the site will potentially require improvement as the site backs onto a busy road. This may involve a trimming of hedgerow or widening of existing access to provide adequate visibility. Both of which will cause environmental damage. Access must also be continued to allow for passage of livestock through the area.

Site Traffic – Transport to and from the site must be directed, where possible, away from lanes to prevent danger to users (particularly Heath Lane).

Suitability for Class Q – Proposed structure is to retain original structure and is shown to be structurally sound.

Environmental Concerns

Light – The presence of large glazing will have an impact on light pollution in the area. This could potentially be mitigated against with installation of hedgerows or reduction in glazing size. It is likely it could be mitigated with internal visual obstruction mechanisms.

Water – There are limited concerns with regards to water pollution from the proposed site.

Ecological Concerns – The proposed plan could provide a greater degree of ecological benefit via the construction of new hedgerows or woodland to mitigate damages due to the new parking area.

Drainage – Adequate drainage must be installed to prevent run-off onto the existing public highway to the South of the site complying with highways regulations.

Animal Protection – Where possible WPC encourage protection measures for bats and owls as a part of the scope of works. This has so far not been included in the plans.

Further Construction – Given the allocation for parking on the site, WPC believes that there will need to be a garage facility which has not been considered in this original application.

Community Impact

Visual Impact – There is to be a minimal visual impact as a result of the development. The original plan must be adhered to in construction.

Rural Character – The change of use of a barn to a dwelling will have an impact on the rural character of the area. However, this proposal maintains a separate agricultural building for agriculture which maintains the rural character of the area.

Change to the Village – The entrance to the current site must be maintained to retain the character of the area. But proposed structural changes do not cause issues.

Improving the Village – It is important to accept sensible proposals in the village to improve the village by attracting more people to come and live in the Parish. This proposal will hopefully provide further necessary housing in the village.

Property Legality

Property Position – The current property lies on an existing bus route and school bus route. This does provide a greater ease of transport.

Redundancy of Structure – The structures have previously been used for storage of items such as winter feed which implies that it is not suitable for conversion. The structures must not be both converted to avoid loss of useful agricultural buildings.

Area of Landscape Value – Construction taking place in an area quoted by Devon County Council as a location where construction will cause short term construction damage and long- term loss of agriculture in the area.

Conclusions

Whitestone Parish Council has encouraged members of the community to post individual issues or challenges with this proposed development directly on the planning forum. We leave the technical planning considerations to be reviewed by qualified planners at Teignbridge District Council. Discussions 08/05/2025 Meeting – The WPC believes that the agricultural value of the area must be maintained and therefore, the WPC believes one of the barns must

be maintained in its original form. The WPC also wishes to maintain access for farm

machinery. Whitestone Parish Council supports the application titled 00612. However, the

application for 00613 is not supported

32.5 24/00638/LBC Two storey side extension with single storey glass link and solar panels at Chants Cottage.

Whitestone Parish Council has discussed and considered this planning application. The application relates to a proposed extension of an existing building adjoining to an existing cottage structure via a glass link. Associated with this application is the proposal for a new solar panel installation on the site.

The following comments have been received by members of the Council and are summarised below:

Construction Process Access – There is an existing access to the site off of the current

Whitestone Road. No alterations are proposed to this access point as a part of this works but the existing access is deemed adequate for the proposed works.

Site Traffic – Limited concern is raised regarding the proposed construction traffic onto the site as existing access is deemed sufficient.

Environmental Concerns

Light – Proposals in the plan include a number of glazed double doors and solar panels, this will potentially cause light pollution to the area and also potentially cause glare to surroundings from the site.

Water – No concerns are raised relating to the water on the site.

Community Impact

Visual Impact – The visual impact of the proposal is relatively limited to the North of the site due to it being sheltered from the road. However, concerns are raised regarding the proposal being in-keeping with the existing cottage on the site and the solar panels on the site causing a visual impact to the south of the site are raised by the Whitestone Parish Council.

Conclusions

Whitestone Parish Council supports this application.

32.6 Variation of condition following grant of conditional planning permission

25/00503/VAR Variation of condition 2 on planning permission 23/01687/VAR (variation of condition 2 on planning permission 21/01608/HOU (Two storey and single storey side extension and replacement conservatory) relating to removal of the first floor accommodation and reduction in glazing to the sunroom) to extend the front gable at Woodside, Five Miles Hill

32.7 Refusal of Planning Permission

24/02099/FUL Proposal: 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 east of Hill Farm Ngr 287048 93161 Pound Lane.

32.8 Grant of Conditional Planning Permission

25/00131/FUL Use of existing building for the permitted uses as agricultural business and contractors premises and yard and civil engineering contractors premises and yard and to include the retention of the use for MOT testing at Cross Park Farm, Heath Cross.

33. MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION

33.1 VE Day Celebration

Cllr Belt reported this had been well attended by 40 parishioners. Also in attendance were County Councillor Alan Connett and Councillor Rosie Dawson who is the Leader of Teignbridge Council. It was agreed that Cllr Belt should provide an invoice for the payment of refreshments provided when the party went to the Parish Hall following the event at the bus stop area.

33.2 Cllr Belt also reported that there will be a Remembrance Day event on Tuesday 11^th November from 11am to lpm again at the bus stop area and followed by refreshments at the Parish Hall.

33.3 C50 speed limit

A complaint received from a parishioner regarding speeding on the C50 road had been passed to Councillor Connett who had referred it to the Traffic Engineer at Devon County Council who had responded as follows:-

“I can appreciate your constituent’s concerns, however having reviewed the location and collision history, the assessment is that this section of road would not meet policy for a lower speed limit.

When considering a 30mph speed limit our Policy is that this would be the norm in communities. A community being defined by a minimum of 20 frontages over 600 metres (with a minimum density of 3 frontages per 100 metres). The location at the Travellers rest does not meet this requirement and compliance therefore would be extremely challenging to achieve.

In Pathfinder village there are a number of accesses and a number of properties visible from the road, this gives drivers the cue of a change in environment and therefore why they should slow down. By contrast this short section of road past The Travellers Rest is still very rural with only a few properties that are visible from the road. Speed limits must be a minimum of 600m long and this would mean the speed limit would have to extend well beyond any properties and a driver will have driven a distance without any indication of why there is 30 mph limit and may speed up again.

Our Policy also considers a reduction to 40 or 50mph where there is a speed related casualty history, having reviewed data provided by the Police for this section of road between 01/01/2020 and 31/12/2024 there is a single collision recorded in the vicinity of your constituent’s property dating February 2022, this was a single vehicle collision which was not related to speed. Therefore it would not appear appropriate to introduce a reduced speed limit.

Whilst we accept your constituent’s concerns are genuine, I am afraid a reduced speed limit does not appear appropriate. If the concern is compliance with the existing speed limit, there is the option to review in our SCARF process, data would be captured, and this would allow discussion with Police and Road Safety colleagues. However it is unlikely that vehicles are exceeding the National Speed Limit of 60mph at this location so may not be warranted.

I’m sorry this is not the answer your constituent will have been hoping for”.

33.4 Crossway Park and bus stop area update

The work at Crossway Park is in the process of completion and thanks were expressed to Nick Toms and his team for their work in taking down the tree and balance log. Thanks also go to Jeff Taylor for donating two trees that have been planted at Crossway Park.

33.5 Highways Officer meeting

A meeting will be arranged in June.

33.6 Garages update and Storage of Whitestone Pantomime costumes

A meeting has now been arranged regarding this issue and the issue has been decided amicably.

33.7 Whitestone Exhibition

Cllr Baird raised the suggestion of a joint venture with the Parish Hall Committee and the Whitestone Church to organise an Exhibition Day regarding past events within the Parish and it was suggested this this might be organised in October. This followed discussions on an interesting book which had been presented by Dr Jane Richards at the Annual Parish Meeting.

34.MATTERS RAISED BY THE CHAIRMAN

A complaint had been received from a parishioner regarding speeding through Nadderwater.

A complaint had been received from a parishioner regarding fly tipping and they had been advised to report this to the Enforcement Agency.

35.FINANCE

35.1 Completion of Internal Audit

The Annual Audit Accounting statements were presented to the meeting for authorisation and it was resolved by the Council that they were approved and they were signed by Cllr Baird as Chair and the Clerk in her role as Responsible Financial Officer. All necessary documents and paperwork will now be examined for an internal audit which will be completed by Mr R Cox. The Clerk was thanked for her work on the preparation of the detailed accounts

35.2 ank balances at Nat West Bank as at 31^st March 2025

Current Account	£200.00
Business Reserve Account 1	£31,152.70
Business Reserve Account 2	£3,527.47
	£34,880.17

35.3 Authorisation of Grant to the Parochial Church Council for inclusion of minutes in the Church Magazine £225.00

Income

35.4 Teignbridge District Council CIL payment April 2025 £202.52

35.5 1 School Houses rental to 2^nd June £950.00 - £114.00 (includes £19.00 VAT) = £836.00

Expenditure

The following expenditure was proposed and seconded for payment. All in favour and the cheques were signed by Councillors Baird and Belt

Gallagher Insurance £2,233.79

Mr L Blades £413.79 (Lengthsman £263.79/Grass Cutting £150.00)

36. REPORTS

36.1 Cllr Purser reported that he will be attending a Planning Workshop at the Tiverton Hotel on the 20^th May

36.2 Councillors reported on a variety of issues raised during the past month.

36.3 Condolences were passed to the Collins family on the passing of Clive Collins

The meeting closed at 9.45pm