Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

No apologies for absence were received.

It was proposed by Councillor C Leather, seconded by Councillor P Pennington and -

Resolved:   That the Minutes of the meeting held on 13^th October 2025 be signed as a correct record.

(Vote:  For – 9, Against – 0, Abstention - 3)

Public contributions in accordance with the current scheme. (The deadline for registering to speak is by 2pm Thursday 13^th November 2025. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk).

There were no public contributions.

The Forward Plan was noted. 

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

Declarations of interest were made when the specific agenda items to which they related were under discussion.

There were no urgent matters brought forward.

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

RESOLVED:

That a renewable five year Service and Funding Agreement is established and agreed with the Burton at Bideford with provision for review in year 3 to set out the terms of the next 5 year agreement and a contribution of £179,000 per year for each of the five years of the agreement be agreed.

(Vote: For - 11, Against – 1, Abstention – 0)

The Head of Communities & Place presented the report, the purpose of which was to present the results of negotiation with the Burton at Bideford for the renewal of the Service and Funding Agreement to provide the next 5 years of service provision, commencing 01/04/26.

The Director, Harriet Cooper and the Chair, Robert Millward of the Burton attended the meeting to deliver a presentation on the facility to warrant the support requested.

The presentation included information on:

·         Our work – what we do, where we do it, who we do it with.

·         Our impact – what people say, case study, economy.

·         Our future – vision, case study, challenges

·         Summary

Following the presentation members were invited to ask questions and make comments.

Councillor D Brenton praised the Burton Art Gallery’s transformation, its nationwide reputation, and significant economic contribution, and moved the recommendations in the report.

Following a suggestion that the grant should incorporate inflation into the new agreement, the Head of Communities & Place advised the proposal was a baseline minimum.

Councillor P Pennington seconded the proposal, and commended the gallery’s work.

In response to several queries, H Cooper, the Burton Director advised that home education sessions were split for wider age groups and run at a loss, with price increases due to rising costs. She emphasised the "Sewing Bee's" importance for socio-economic diversity and reiterated that free access is central to the Burton's mission.

H Cooper addressed queries regarding plans to address space constraints, confirming this was a high priority with collaboration ongoing with TDC on master planning and a feasibility study for a nearby building.

Confirmation was given that efforts are being made to develop individual giving and corporate sponsorship, noting increased donations and explicit suggestions for a £5 donation from visitors. H Cooper also confirmed that the Friends of the Burton still assist with funding and run events to raise money for the Burton. R Millward, the Chair of the Burton added that they work closely with the Friends of the Burton.

Councillor T Tinsley proposed an amendment to the recommendation, to include an inflation uplift.

It was proposed by Councillor D Brenton, seconded by Councillor P Pennington and -

Resolved:

That a renewable five year Service and Funding Agreement is established and agreed with the Burton at Bideford with provision for review in year 3 to set out the terms of the next 5 year agreement and a contribution of £179,000 per year for each of the five years of the agreement be agreed.

(Vote: For - 11, Against – 1, Abstention – 0)

As the above recommendation was approved and there was no seconder for Councillor T Tinsley’s amendment, no vote was taken.

To receive the report of the Community Engagement Officer.

RESOLVED:

That the Northam Town Council S106 funding application for Avon Lane MUGA project be agreed subject to the necessary planning permission.

(Vote: For – 10, Abstention – 2, Against – 0)

The Community Engagement Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was for the committee to decide if Northam Town Council S106 funding application for Avon Lane MUGA project is favourable, subject to approval of planning permission.

Councillors P Hames, C Leather and J Whittaker declared an interests as members of Northam Town Council.

Concern was raised that the report lacked views from lead members and ward members. The Community Engagement Officer acknowledged the omission and explained that ward members are largely from the town council involved in the application. He confirmed that he had spoken to Councillor L Piper as lead member, after the report was issued and believes the he supports the application, though formal comments were not included.

Confirmation was given that this funding would complete the sport and recreation element of the overall project.

It was proposed by Councillor R Hicks, seconded by Councillor A Dart and –

Resolved:

That the Northam Town Council S106 funding application for Avon Lane MUGA project be agreed subject to the necessary planning permission.

(Vote: For – 10, Abstention – 2, Against – 0)

To receive the report of the Community Engagement Officer.

RESOLVED:

That the Bideford Blues S106 funding application for a new specific MUGA, suitable tractor, storage and improved floodlighting be approved.

(Vote: For – 11, Against – 0, Abstention – 1)  

The Community Engagement Officer presented the report, the purpose of which was for this committee to decide if Bideford Blues S106 funding application for a new specific MUGA suitable tractor, storage and improved floodlighting is favourable.

Members of Bideford Blues Football Club were present to answer any questions necessary.

A discussion followed.

Councillor D Brenton commended the club’s work and moved the recommendation in the report, which was seconded by Councillor L Piper. 

Queries were raised relating to the remaining Section 106 funds. It was confirmed that other facilities in the area might apply. The fund has a 10 year life span with only two years elapsed. 

Following requests from Councillor P Hames for further details on the battery-powered tractor. Members from Bideford Blues explained the specific requirements for an Astro maintenance tractor and the practical limitations that made the battery option unfeasible. Offers were made to re-investigate if the committee would consider an increased grant to cover the additional costs and infrastructure.

It was proposed by Councillor D Brenton, seconded by Councillor L Piper and –

Resolved:

That the Bideford Blues S106 funding application for a new specific MUGA, suitable tractor, storage and improved floodlighting be approved.

(Vote: For – 11, Against – 0, Abstention – 1) 

The Chair to move:

That the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting because of the likely disclosure of exempt information by virtue of paragraph 2 of Part I and paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

It was proposed by Councillor C Leather, seconded by Councillor T Tinsley that the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting because of the likely disclosure of exempt information by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 and paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

However, Councillor D Brenton questioned the necessity of Northam Burrows Feasibility Study being discussed in Part II.  It was confirmed that the decision had been agreed at the last Senior Leadership Team meeting due to possible sensitivity of stakeholder information.  

The Head of Legal & Governance (& Monitoring Officer), when questioned, gave no reason why the report could not be discussed in Part I and clarified that Northam Town Councillors did not have to declare an interest on this item. 

Councillor T Tinsley withdrew seconding the proposal to enter Part II.

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

Resolved:

That the Northam Burrows Feasibility Study stay in Part I be approved.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

Tio receive the report of the Lead Ranger.

RESOLVED:

That further work required to negotiate the terms of an application to Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier based on the recommendations in the feasibility report be approved.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

The Lead Ranger presented the report, the purpose of which was to consider the main findings and recommendations of the Northam Burrows Feasibility Study.

A slide presentation was delivered which included:

·         Reasons for undertaking a feasibility study.

·         Recommendations –

o   Grazing         

o   Water Germander

o   Dung Beetles

o   Skern Sanctuary

o   Further Studies

·         Next Steps

A discussion followed.

It was confirmed that Fly Strike treatment would be conducted off site, with experts brought in for advice and guidance, ensuring the welfare of the animals is paramount. 

Following a query on the views of the graziers, the Lead Ranger reported that the graziers present at a briefing showed little objection, especially with the proposed compensation.

When questioned, the Lead Ranger confirmed that the consultant, for the study, had spoken with Braunton Burrows Ranger and the Director of Biosphere.

Councillor T Tinsley praised the presentation and moved the recommendation in report, Councillor P Hames seconded the proposal.

Councillor Pennington asked about the method for identifying dung beetle populations and expressed concern about potential future government changes to Countryside Stewardship schemes. Mike Day reiterated TDC's statutory obligation to protect the SSSI and Natural England's advice to pursue the scheme.

It was proposed by Councillor T Tinsley, seconded by Councillor P Hames and –

Resolved:

That further work required to negotiate the terms of an application to Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier based on the recommendations in the feasibility report be approved.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

It was proposed by Councillor J Whittaker, seconded by Councillor K James and –

Resolved:

That the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting because of the likely disclosure of exempt information by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 and paragraph 10 of Part 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

(Vote: For – unanimous)

To receive the report of the Finance Manager (S151 Officer).

RESOLVED:

That the Hardship application be approved.

(Vote: For – 11, Against – 1, Abstention – 0)

The Finance Manager (& S151 Officer) presented the report, the purpose of which was for members to consider awarding relief on the grounds of hardship.

Concern was raised by members regarding setting a precedent, to which the Finance Manager (& S151 Officer) responded stating that if other applications were to be received, each case would be assessed on individual circumstances and this application was purely for this financial year.

It was proposed by C Leather, seconded by Councillor P Hames and –

Resolved:

That the Hardship application be approved.

(Vote: For – 11, Against – 1, Abstention – 0)

It was proposed by Councillor L Piper, seconded by Councillor D Brenton and –

Resolved:

That the press and public be readmitted.

(Vote: For – unanimous)