Westleigh Parish Council Meeting Minutes

Wednesday 4th February 2026, 7 pm at Westleigh Village Hall

Attendees – Cllrs Moores, Heard, Gear, Stewart and Saxby, DCCllr Biederman, & Parish Clerk, plus 9 members of the Public, and the CPRE representative

Min 45 25/26 – Apologies received – NDCllr Coombs

Min 46 25/26 – Declarations of Interest – none declared

Min 47 25/26 – Minutes – To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on the 5th November 2025 – agreed unanimously

Min 48  25/26 – Matters arising – The Parish Council are now members of CPRE (Devon branch) at a monthly cost of £5, Mr Rob Duke has agreed a price for the painting of both phone boxes once the weather has settled (£200 per box exc paint). Applications for grants from NDC and the Community Fund have not yet been submitted – delay caused by Parish Clerk’s illness. Will now be expedited!

Min 49 25/26 – Planning Appeal 6003960, and Public Session – after much discussion and some going over of previously discussed matters, it was agreed that Cllr Saxby, on behalf of the Parish Council would write to NDCllr Coombs, and to the Secretary of State (via Ian Roome MP) reiterating the strong feelings against the proposed development – all the previously submitted objections to stand. It was noted that the site plan had been omitted from the appeal, and Brian Lees had obtained a copy and forwarded on. The one point of note was that the first building (originally a 2 storey building) had been replaced with a single storey one bedroom bungalow, presumably to counter objections regarding Rock Cottage being overlooked?

Min 50 25/26 – Correspondence & Communications –

- Min 51 25/26 – Road flooding – is it best to complete the online forms, despite them already having been reported – or do we as a village need to speak with farmers to see if we can clear gulleys as the floods are all in the same places as previous years. The 2 flooded areas which are outstanding are at the Pines, Westleigh, and the deep flooding at Eastleigh on the road at the first turning to the right, once in the Village. DCCllr Biederman reiterated the need to report the issues, online and via email to him as it was a DCC issue. The road leading from Langmead to the Old Barnstaple Road was still being used by articulated vehicles, and causing damage, not only to the small bridge but to verges and perilously close to dwellings. It was suggested that Google Earth is contacted to enter a restrictive instruction on their Sat-Nav, as well as explore the possibility of informative road signs!

Min 52 25/26 – County & District reports – in the absence of formal reports, DCCllr Biederman took questions from the floor, those being 1) concerns expressed about activities in the first layby on the left past the Westleigh/Instow turn off on the A39, with many vehicles exiting and doing U turns. It was suggested that (Nicky B) email Frank and the local Police with her concerns. Other concerns are noted in Minute 51.

Min 53 25/26 – Bulworthy Solar Farm update -  meeting going ahead with some of the campaign group with the local councillors for the site with a large list of questions; the site did have a confirmed grid connection (2036) at the time of application but have not confirmed the connection post the review of connections conducted nationally at the end of 2025.  Objections can still be lodged – again significant numbers from residents, CPRE and Sir Geoffrey Cox MP. The scheme at the Beacon Holsworthy has been withdrawn from planning at this time, following a sustained campaign, led by all Parties, CPRE, and Sir Geoffrey Cox MP. There is an unconfirmed rumour that another solar farm is being considered at Raddy Farm, nothing definite to date, and finally, the application for a BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) at Webbery has been submitted in spite of strong objections from residents, CPRE, and the MP. There is still time to submit further objections.

Min 54 25/26 – Community Funds update - :   Meeting on 10th Feb with the Grantscape team and the 5 parish council representatives to decide which projects receive funds.  6 have applied which totals just below total funds available.  There will be a new round open after this if other village projects are interested please do get in contact.

Min 55 25/26 – Village Emergency Plan –  successful meeting in the village, which was followed with a questionnaire being delivered around the village.  A few new residents have been added to the what’s app group, but not enough interest to pursue a full plan – am awaiting an update from the Devon Communities team who have a new scheme coming forward:  Community Emergency Hubs, which puts basic emergency cover in place without a full emergency plan.

Min 56 25/26 – Finance – A Bank Reconciliation document was circulated which showed a balance of £4691.16, after allowing for the Parish Magazine grant, and Hall Hire. The Clerk had registered the Council as a member of CPRE, at a cost of £5pm as agreed at the November meeting.

Min 57 25/26 – Any Other Matters (Chair) – a concern had been raised as to the condition of the footpath running alongside the road leading down to the bus stop. Brian Lees made the very good point that it was not an official path, and could be closed at any time, therefore money should not be spent on it. However, Cllr Saxby (an enthusiastic user of the path) asked if it could not be covered in straw, which is what places such as Horse Trials do to help traction. The Clerk agree to look into the cost and availability.

Min 58 25/26 – Next Meeting – Wednesday 4th March, although as it was only 4 weeks hence, the Chair would review the date nearer the time with the Clerk, and maybe decide to delay by a period of time. Notice, as usual, will be placed in the Village notice-boards.

The meeting closed at 20.10hrs.


WESTLEIGH PARISH
Home The Village Parish Council Village Hall Gallery Church Places of Interest Parish Walks Cricket Club Events Links Contact