Agenda and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from the Chief Executive, Steve Herse and Councillors A and D Brenton, L Piper, P Shepherd and J Whittaker.

On return to the office apologies were also received from Councillor C Hawkins.   

Confirmation of the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 26^th November and 8^th December 2025.

It was proposed by Councillor D Bushby, seconded by Councillor P Hackett  and -

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 26^th November 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

(Vote: For – 24, Against – 0, Abstentions - 3)

It was proposed by Councillor D Bushby, seconded by Councillor S Inch and –

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 8^th December 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

(Vote: For – 23, Against – 0, Abstentions – 4)

Councillor S Middleton was absent from the room for the vote.  

15 minute period for public contributions. The deadline for registering to speak is by 2pm Thursday 22^nd January 2026. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk

There were three public speakers.

Cathy Slaughter commenced the public speaking referring to a recent DEFRA report which highlighted threats to Britain's food security, citing global diversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and environmental degradation. She stressed the high risk to critical ecosystems, water security, crop yields, and weather patterns. Ms Slaughter urged Torridge District Council to update its net zero target to 2030 and fund necessary measures.

Secondly, Keith Funnell spoke in support of updating Torridge District Council's target to net zero by 2030 with adequate funding. He referenced climate breakdown threats and historical warnings. Mr Funnell noted the Council's slow progress since declaring a climate emergency in 2019 due to fluctuating political support and funding. He argued 2030 is a critical tipping point and that funding would be offset by renewable energy income and savings. He emphasised the Council's role as an exemplar for green industries and future unitary authorities, dismissing arguments of cost or minimal impact.

Lastly, Cathy Simmons addressed the committee, emphasising the current impact of climate change on communities, particularly in the Torridge District Council are, citing rising insurance costs, extreme weather events and increased food costs due to flooding and drought. She referred to past significant expenditure on quays to prevent coastal flooding and the likelihood of repeat costs due to sea level rises. Ms Simmons urged Torridge District Council to aim for net zero, not just carbon neutral and to set an example, ensuring Torridge District Council is not seen as a "poor relation" to Devon.

Members with interests to declare should refer to the Agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is being discussed.

Members were reminded that declarations of interest should be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

There were no Part II items.

No matters were brought forward.

To receive the report of the Head of Communities & Place.

The Climate & Sustainability Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was to review progress with delivery of Torridge District Council’s climate commitments and to consider resetting our ambitions.

The Chair invited Members to comment and ask questions.

Councillor P Hames, as Lead Member for Climate Change addressed the committee detailing background on the Torridge District Council's climate actions since declaring an emergency in 2019, including the establishment of the Climate Emergency Working Group, development of a carbon plan, engagement of consultants, tree planting initiatives, consideration of HVO fuel, and a climate survey. He highlighted achievements such as electric vehicle purchases, solar panel installations, biodiversity site selection, and sustainable building construction (Operations Centre, Maritime Centre). He advocated strengthening the target from carbon neutral to net zero by 2030, viewing it as vital for focus and action, even if the target is challenging to meet.

Next, Councillor T Tinsley spoke and proposed an amendment to recommendations (i) and (ii) in the report and add ‘update the council's target to net zero carbon by 2030, seeking every practical opportunity to reduce Torridge District Council's carbon footprint whilst balancing other priorities which are important to residents’.

The Chair, whilst acknowledging the work achieved by the Councillor Climate Change Working Group and happy to continue with 2030 target expressed realism that the target might not be met due to significant funding requirements.

Councillor D Smith thanked Councillor P Hames and the Climate group for work carried out and seconded Councillor T Tinsley’s proposal.

Following on and expressing his support for previous comments made by Councillors, Councillor H Thomas proposed that Torridge District Council update the target to be net zero by 2030 and to identify and seek funding for measures to achieve this.

This proposal was seconded by Councillor P Hackett who declared an interest as he works for the British Horse Society. Continuing, he proposed a further amendment that the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Torridge reads Walking, Cycling and Horse Riding.

Seeking clarification on Councillor T Tinsley’s proposal, the Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) confirmed the amendment to recommendations (i) and (ii) on page 23. To avoid confusion Councillor T Tinsley confirmed that only recommendation (ii) be amended to include ‘seeking every practical opportunity to reduce Torridge District Council's carbon footprint whilst balancing other priorities which are important to residents’, this was agreed by Councillor D Smith.

Following suggestion that Councillor T Tinsley’s and Councillor H Thomas’ proposals be combined, Councillor H Thomas advised he was satisfied with Councillor T Tinsley’s proposal and withdrew his own.

Councillor J Craigie seconded Councillor P Hackett’s proposal.

It was clarified that net zero and carbon neutral are two separate entities.

In response to questioning, Councillor P Hackett stressed that his amendment should be taken separately.

Councillor P Pennington proposed recommendation 4, revising the target, as 2030 was unrealistic and would lead to failure. He advocated for a net zero aim but not with an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 557.

To receive the report of the Head of Legal & Governance (& Monitoring Officer).

The Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) presented the report, the purpose of which was to approve a non-elected appointment to the Council’s Overview & Scrutiny (External) Committee, Overview & Scrutiny (Internal) and Non-elected member on Standards Committee.

Advocating for the applicant Councillor L Bach moved the recommendation in the report, stating his suitability for the role.

Seconding the proposal, Councillor C Hodson, expressed strong support for the appointment, highlighting the value of independent observation and challenge.

It was proposed by Councillor L Bach, seconded by Councillor C Hodson and –

Resolved:

That it be agreed to approve Mr David Walden to the role of independent non-elected representative on the Councils Overview & Scrutiny (External) Committee, Overview & Scrutiny (Internal) Committee and Standards Committee for a term of 4 years.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

There were no questions submitted under Procedural Rule A9.

To receive petitions (if any)

There were no petitions.

There was on notice of motion.

This Council strongly objects to the current proposals to reduce library opening times in the Torridge area, given the great importance of public libraries as a source of books for adults and children and as community hubs and warm spaces.

The Chair invited Councillor P Hames to present his notice of motion, advising of the three minute time limit.

Councillor P Hames presented his notice of motion.

This Council strongly objects to the current proposals to reduce library opening times in the Torridge area, given the great importance of public libraries as a source of books for adults and children and as community hubs and warm spaces.

Adding to the notice of motion Councillor P Hames urged members to vote for his proposal, respond to the consultation, and engage with their communities to support Devon's libraries.

With permission of the Chair, Councillor C Cottle-Hunkin, responded by affirming the value of libraries and stating that no libraries are closing. She clarified that the consultation hours relate only to statutory staff hours, not full potential opening hours, which can be extended through flexible models. She explained that Libraries Unlimited faces significant financial pressures and an unsustainable funding gap, necessitating a review of operating models. The consultation aims to explore local opportunities for a long-term, sustainable future for all 50 libraries. She, too, urged participation in the consultation.

It was proposed by Councillor P Hames, seconded by Councillor J Craigie and –

Resolved:

That the Notice of Motion be approved.

(Vote: For – 17, Against – 4, Abstentions – 7)

The motion was carried.

The Chair to move:

“That the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting because of the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972”

Items which may be taken in the absence of the public and press on the grounds that exempt information may be disclosed.