Westleigh Parish Council Meeting Minutes

Wednesday 11th October 2023, 5.30pm at the Village Hall

Attendees – Cllrs David Fairbrother (Chair), Chris Heard (Vice-Chair), Lyn Gear, Colin Frajbis, Lesley Burgess, Parish Clerk and DCCllr Frank Biederman.

1. Min 42 23/24 – apologies received – NDCllr Renshaw

2. Min 43 23/24 – Declarations of Interest – none declared

3. Min 44 23/24 – Minutes of September’s meeting – to confirm and agree signing of said minutes - unanimous

4. Min 45 23/24 – Matters arising – nothing heard back from Collette Hall, or Xlinks Morocco-UK power project. Clerk to chase again

5. Min 46 23/24 – Correspondence & Communications – Link Road update says that the road will be partially closed for 1 month, with Tiverton bound traffic using the link road, and Barnstaple bound traffic being diverted via Filleigh and Landkey

6. Min 47 23/24 – Public session – no members of the public attended

7. Min 48 23/24 – County and Ward members reports. There was no report from NDC. DCCllr Biederman reported on the following:- 1, the danger in crossing from the Tarka Trail to the Westleigh Road is still a matter of concern to him, and perhaps Westleigh PC could consider putting in a report to DCC. 2, there is a consultation taking place regarding the traffic light system and road rights of way at the entrance to Barnstaple Long Bridge. He will send a link to the Clerk with a view to welcoming their comments. 3, the £2 max bus fare concession has been extended for another 12 months which is a great help to those who use the system. 4, the mobile library service has been reprieved, with a permanent solution being sought. 5, the solar farm S106 monies are still a source of discussion, and as the solar farm has yet to join the National Grid, it will be at least another 12 months until any decisions are made

8. Min 49 23/24 – Finance – to approve 3 payments, J Harris £100, NDC £741.44 (Clerks quarterly salary), and £59.95 (reimbursement to Vice-Chair for new pads for the Eastleigh defibrillator). Balance once all o/s cheques have cleared is £3954.32. Unanimous agreement for the payments

9. Min 50 23/24 – Environment. After assessing the monies already spent from the £2000 grant (£1105.09) it was agreed that the remaining £894.91p should be relayed to Mr J Harris as the monies available for the rest of the project. Cllr Burgess produced a comprehensive list of the ‘spend’ to date, and where allocated, for the Council.

10. Min 51 23/24 – Planning - Email from Lighthouse Developments (Tapeley) to say that they are reviewing the access arrangements into the proposed site, following advice from a Highways Consultant, therefore nothing concrete to report. Planning App 77631 for replacement windows and door at Plovers Barron – no adverse comments, therefore no objections will be raised by the Parish Council

11. Min 52 23/24 – Next meeting Wednesday 15th November at 7pm


Following the meeting, 2 items were discussed, but as they did not form part of the agenda, are just added as notes for information:-

1. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Clifford Darke regarding the land to the left hand side of the Church, as to its availability for potential purchase

2. Remembrance Service – it was generally agreed that as the Parish Clerk had a Military background, that he would continue to act as wreath layer on behalf of the Parish Council at the Remembrance Service in November at St Peters, but that other Parish Councillors would be very welcome to attend, as also being representatives.


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