Whitestone Parish Council
Minutes of Parish Council at Whitestone Parish Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 12th June 2025.
Attendance: Chair – Cllr T Baird
Councillors: M Frankum, C Lang, E Purser, P Stott, T Taylor
District Councilor Parrott
Mrs P Vaughan – Clerk to the Council
Mr John Stowers – left at 7.45pm
Apologies:- Councillors M Belt, M Baxendale Nichols. District Councillor K Lake
PUBLIC PARTICPATION
Mr John Stowers was in attendance to raise issues regarding the installment of a mobile home on land in the vicinity of Stoodley Farm on Six Mile Hill. He said that building rubble, a septic tank and services were being brought to the farm and a mobile home had been sited. He requested that the Parish Council contact the Teignbridge Planning Enforcement to investigate the matter. After some discussion he left the meeting at 7.45pm
Cllr Baird opened the meeting and the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 8th May 2025 having been circulated were taken as read and signed by the Chair.
REPORT FROM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Councillor Parrott reported on discussions which are in progress regarding reorganisation which is taking place. He also mentioned that there is an opportunity for organizations within the Parish to apply for small grants and Councillor Baird noted this information.
PLANNING - 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 will sent which can be viewed on Teignbridge District Council Planning site.
25/00839/VAR Variation of condition 2 on planning permission 21/01177/FL (new dwelling replacing existing agricultural barn and outbuildings) to amend design of dwelling, siting of dwelling, landscaping and re-positioning of vehicular access at Higher Hare.
This application was discussed and considered. It was noted that the proposal has already been constructed and that we have received no comments regarding variations on the original plans. However the Council would like to note that going forward applicants for planning permission should keep as tightly as possible to the approved plans.
Refusal of Certificate of Lawful Use of Development
25/00193/CLDE Certificate of lawfulness for existing use of building as an office (Use Class E(g)(i) including the physical works to convert building to this use at Building 2, Atwells Farm.
Appeals Allowed
24/0045/NONDET Appeal against the Non-determination of 24/01202FUL Plant room and Wall at Cross Park Farm Heath Cross
24/0046/NONDET Appeal against the Non-determination f 24/01201/VAR Variation of condition 2 on planning permission 19/01872/FUL (office building and associated works) to amend design and siting of office building at Cross Park Farm, Heath Cross.
Grant of conditional planning permission
25/00387/HOU Construction of double garage and hobby room at West View, Hackworthy Lane
Variation of condition following the grant of conditional planning permission
25/00488/VAR Variation of condition 2 on planning permission 21/02612/FUL (dwelling to replace existing agricultural building) to amend design of the dwelling at Styles Barton Meadow
MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION
Fingle Glen Planning application
The Council has received concerns from three parishioners regarding the planning process for the development of Fingle Glen Golf Club which Whitestone Parish Council supported. The Council discussed the planning review process and were happy that we had looked at all materials thoroughly, provided the opportunity for public participation and reached consensus. The Parish Council stand by our original response of support for the development as we recognize the importance of supporting a local business and feel confident that traffic management plans will be in place during the construction process to minimize disruption.
Cleaning of outside toilet at Hall
Cllr Baird will be liasing with the Parish Hall Committee regarding a contract for the payment of fees.
Bus Stop area
It was noted that Mr Blades had resprayed the seat in the shelter and will be painting the shelter. The new noticeboard will be installed since this is done..
Crossway Park
Cllr Taylor raised concerns regarding the work which had been carried out for the installation of new equipment and the Clerk was advised to hold the payment of the invoice which was on tonight’s agenda until certain points had been cleared with Sovereign Design.
Cllr Taylor also reported having obtained quotes for the climbing frame which totalled approximately £740 and the Council authorized that this work now be carried out. As Cllr Parrott had previously intimated that there may be grant money available from his funds it was agreed that the Sports and Social Club might apply for monies towards the climbing frame.
After further discussion within the meeting it was agreed that a maintenance plan for the Park be implemented and it was agreed that signs should be erected regarding the new equipment and that no barbecues should be allowed within the Park area.
Highways Officer meeting update
Cllr Baird reported that this meeting had been successful with the Highways Officer undertaking inspection of roads/highways within the Parish and noting where there is need for work to be implemented. A further meeting will be arranged in due course.
An appeal to all parishioners to report all potholes that meed the criteria of 40mm deep 300mm wide will be in the parish magazine and circulated via the community email and also the community Facebook group. There is a link for all highways related issues on the Whitestone website.
FINANCE
Bank balances at Nat West Bank as at 30th May 2025
| Current Account | £200.00 |
| Business Reserve Account 1 | £28,058.47 |
| Business Reserve Account 2 | £3,534.20 |
| £31,792.67 |
Income
Teignbridge District Council Precept £3,141.50
HM Revenue & Customs reimbursement of VAT £3,105.41
2 School Houses rental to 7th June 2025 £1,050.00 - £126.00 (includes £21.00 VAT) = £924.00
1 School Houses rental to 2nd July 2025 £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 Councillor Baird and Mrs Vaughan as Responsible Financial Officer
Mr L Blades £513.41 (Lengthsman £303.41 Grass cutting £210.00).
Parish Online £90.00 (includes £15 VAT)
Whitestone Parish Hall £346.92 (hire of Parish Hall for meetings £78.00 Park facilities £268.92)
Sovereign Design Play Systems £8,093.53 (supply/installation of equipment and surfacing at Crossway Park)
Mr R Cox £220.00 (Internal Audit)
CORRESPONDENCE
Completion of Annual Audit
The Clerk reported that Mr Robert Cox had now completed the internal audit for 2024/25 and he has confirmed that in his opinion, and within the audit scope, they represent a true and fair view of the financial position and as such he presents an unqualified audit report without exceptions. Additionally, he concludes that the financial control methods, systems and procedures are adequate and being followed and adhered to and therefore there are no advisory notes that he would add.
REPORTS
Cllr. Lang raised the issue of speeding through the main part of the parish particularly near the bus stop area as the children do tend to congregate there. After a discussion it was suggested to hold a competition and ask the children in the community to design a sign to raise awareness and the winning design will be made into a sign to be put up in the parish.
The meeting closed at 9.40pm.