Agenda and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors L Bach, C Cottle-Hunkin, C Hawkins, K Hepple, P Shepherd and T Tinsley.

Confirmation of the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 3^rd March and 17^th March, Extraordinary and AGM on 19^th May.

Members were presented with the minutes from the meetings held on the 3^rd March 2025, 17^th March 2025,19^th May 2025 (Extraordinary Full Council), and the 19^th May 2025 (Annual General Meeting).

It was proposed by Councillor P Hackett, seconded by Councillor K James and -

Resolved:  

That the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd March 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

(Vote: For – 23, Against – 0, Abstentions - 3)

It was proposed by Councillor S Inch, seconded by Councillor J Whittaker and -

Resolved: 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th March 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

(Vote: For – 23, Against – 0, Abstentions - 3)

It was proposed by Councillor R Lock, seconded by Councillor K James and -

Resolved:  

That the minutes of the extraordinary meeting held on the 19^th May 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

(Vote: For – 25, Against – 0, Abstentions - 1)

It was proposed by Councillor D Bushby, seconded by Councillor H Thomas and -

Resolved:  

That the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on the 19^th May 2025   be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

(Vote: For – 25, Against – 0, Abstentions - 1)

15 minute period for public contributions. The deadline for registering to speak is by 2pm Thursday 19^th June 2025. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk

There were no public contributions.

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 was a Part II item on the agenda.

It was proposed by Councillor D Bushby, seconded by Councillor K James and –

Resolved:

That the agenda, as circulated, be agreed.

(Vote: For – Unanimous).

Councillor P Pennington joined the meeting at 18.37pm.

The Chair raised concerns regarding the South Western Ambulance Services NHS Foundation Trust’s (SWAST) phasing out of firefighters as ‘first responders’ in certain emergency situations. Members recognised the significant work of volunteers, but emphasised the need for professional training.

As the Devon District Councils representative, Councillor C Hodson encouraged Members to submit questions that they would like raised at the Devon County Council Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for the 14^th July 2025.

To receive a report from the Public Health and Community Safety Manager.

The Public Health and Community Safety Manager presented the report, the purpose of which was to obtain resolution to purchase three replacement vans for the Public Health and Community Safety service.

Members were informed that the report contained errors; the cost of replacing with electric vehicles would be £13,069.84 more than is currently in the capital replacement programme, (£10,483.84 more than replacement with diesel vehicles).

Councillor L Piper joined the meeting at 18.43pm.

A discussion occurred. Members questioned if the vehicles could be sold and the Public Health and Community Safety Manager explained that this is likely, but requires further investigation. The vehicles will most likely not be transferred elsewhere in the Council.

As the Lead Member for Climate, Councillor P Hames commended Officers for the recommendation, and moved the motion in the report.

Councillor W Lo-Vel seconded Councillor P Hames’s proposal.

The Committee outlined the relatively low mileage of the vehicles. Members were informed that the three vehicles have daily use, and are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. Members noted that each vehicle serves a distinct purpose: one is used for dog-related duties, another for addressing fly-tipping incidents, and a third for dealing with Public Health Funerals.

Councillor T Elliott proposed that the Council continue to use the existing diesel vehicles for another four years.

The Committee discussed the recommendation in the report with reference to Local Government Reorganisation.

Briefly, Members considered the value of the vehicles.

Members questioned the purchase of two new electric vehicles while keeping one existing diesel vehicle. The Public Health and Community Safety Manager explained that the diesel vehicles are well used, and are experiencing increased maintenance costs. Members were informed that a total of 12 working days were lost during the last financial year due to maintenance issues.

Councillor R Lock seconded Councillor T Elliott’s proposal.

It was proposed by Councillor P Hames, seconded by Councillor W Lo-vel and –

Resolved:

That the proposal to acquire the electric replacement vehicles as detailed within the report be approved.

(Vote: For – 8, Against – 20, Abstentions – 0).

The motion was lost.

To receive a report from the Finance Manager (S151 Officer).

The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) presented the report, the purpose of which was for Members to update the Financial Procedure Rules. The Financial Procedure Rules require updating for the changes made to the Contract Procedure Rules (which were approved at Full Council on the 24^th February 2025).

A brief discussion occurred. In response to a question, the Finance Manager (S151 Officer) confirmed that the changes relate to the contract thresholds.

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

Resolved:

That the updated Financial Procedure Rules are approved.

(Vote: For – Unanimous).

To receive a report from the Economic Development Manager.

The Economic Development Manager presented the report, the purpose of which was to seek approval for the Torridge District Council Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan for 2025 – 26.

A discussion occurred.

In response to a question, the Head of Communities and Place explained that the Torrington playzone will be placed where the tennis courts are currently located. The Head of Communities and Place outlined the difficulty of identifying rural projects that are deliverable within the 12-month timeframe.

As the lead Member for Leisure, Councillor L Piper commended Officers for their significant work on the playzones project, but mentioned the difficulties of funding and timelines.

Following on, Members discussed the tide fountain in Bideford. Concerns were raised around funding and the functionality of the fountain. The Economic Development Manager reported that assessments indicate that modern technology may make the fountain easier to restore and maintain.

Briefly, the Committee discussed wayfinding. The Economic Development Manager stated that reports indicate people struggle to navigate Bideford. Members noted that wayfinding improvements could create a more distinctive identity for Bideford, based on maritime heritage.

Councillor K James moved the recommendations in the report.

Concerns were raised over the contingency for projects. The Head of Communities and Place explained that increasing contingencies would require negotiation with the Football Foundation.

Members highlighted the funding needs at the Globe in Torrington. The Head of Communities and Place confirmed that TDC are working with the Globe to address these funding issues.

It was proposed by Councillor K James, seconded by Councillor L Piper and –

Resolved:

That Members approve the Torridge District Council Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan for 2025 – 26.

(Vote: For – Unanimous).

One question was submitted under Procedural Rule A9.

In accordance with the Constitution a written answer to the question was circulated to Members.

Councillor D Brenton was invited to ask a supplementary question, and asked

‘Are we going to do anything about parking in East-The-Water?’

Councillor D Brenton was informed that a response would be received following the meeting.

In response to Councillor D Brenton’s question, Councillor P Hames informed Members that the Tarka Trail connection issue has been raised at the Active Travel group meetings, where there are ongoing discussions with Devon County Council about this.

To receive petitions (if any)

There were no petitions.

There was one Notice of Motion.

‘As a planning authority this Council is very concerned that provisions in the proposed Planning and Infrastructure  Bill will seriously impact biodiversity and the natural world in the Torridge area and in the UK. We therefore call on the Government to urgently address the specific concerns about the Bill which have been raised by the national organisations responsible for protecting and promoting wildlife and the countryside.’

To be sent to the Prime Minister, Housing Minister (Angela Rayner), Environment Minister (Steve Reed) and Sir Geoffrey Cox.

Councillor P Hames submitted the following Written Notice of Motion:

‘As a planning authority this Council is very concerned that provisions in the proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill will seriously impact biodiversity and the natural world in the Torridge area and in the UK. We therefore call on the Government to urgently address the specific concerns about the Bill which have been raised by the national organisations responsible for protecting and promoting wildlife and the countryside.’

To be sent to the Prime Minister, Housing Minister (Angela Rayner), Environment Minister (Steve Reed) and Sir Geoffrey Cox.  

The Chair advised that Councillor P Hames had three minutes to present the motion.

A statement was read aloud to the Committee.

A brief discussion occurred. Members referred to a recent briefing session where the Planning and Infrastructure Bill was discussed.

It was suggested that the discussion be referred to the Joint Planning Policy Committee (JPPC).

It was proposed by Councillor P Hames, seconded by Councillor H Thomas and –

Resolved:

That the Notice of Motion be agreed.

Following the support of five Members, a recorded vote was taken.

(Vote: For – 11, Against – 14, Abstentions – 3)

The Motion was lost.

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.

It was proposed by Councillor K James, seconded by Councillor D Bushby And –

Resolved:

That the meeting enter the Part II session.

(Vote: For – Unanimous).

To receive a report from the Estates Manager.

The Estates Manager presented the report and provided an update to the Committee.

A thorough and detailed discussion occurred.

Councillor C Hodson proposed an addendum to the recommendation in the report.

Councillor D Brenton seconded Councillor C Hodson’s proposal.

Councillor S Gibson put forward a separate proposal, but did not receive a seconder.

Councillor L Piper proposed the recommendation in the report, which was seconded by Councillor R Lock.

It was proposed by Councillor C Hodson, seconded by Councillor D Brenton and –

Resolved:

That the Committee receive a fully costed and programmed report before the spend is committed to the project, to be discussed at the next available meeting.

(Vote: For – 18, Against – 9, Abstentions – 1).

Following this, Members voted to exit the Part II session.

It was proposed by Councillor D Bushby, seconded by Councillor D Brenton and –

Resolved:

That the meeting exit Part II and close.

(Vote: For – Unanimous).