News, views and Events in and around Bigbury, South Devon

Posts tagged South Hams

Review of Parking Permits

November 15, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Reviewing Permits

31/10/2019

South Hams District Council has decided to conduct a thorough review of how its parking permits work, to see if changing the scheme could release more parking spaces for visitors.

Concerns have been raised in recent months about the amount of parking taken up by permit holders, which limits the turnover of short-term parking for shoppers and visitors. Not only does this cause frustration for motorists wishing to park, but also limits the number of people able to visit towns and villages in the South Hams.

Cllr Keith Baldry, Executive Portfolio Holder for the Environment said “We have decided to conduct a thorough review of our permits across the whole District. This is to ensure that we hear everyone’s views. We want to understand how people are currently using the car parks, what they think of this and any issues or frustrations they have.”

While the review takes place, South Hams District Council has temporarily suspended the sale of new parking permits.

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Agreed – A Plan for Slapton

October 23, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Funding to plan the future of the Slapton Line in the event of further damaging storms has been secured by the Slapton Line Partnership (SLP).

The SLP are delighted to announce that funding has been secured from the Environment Agency, South Hams District Council (SHDC) and Devon County Council to allow for the recruitment of an Adaptation Manager.
The purpose of this new post will be to work closely with the community and the Partnership to help to ease traffic issues and to create positive changes to prepare for the future loss of the Slapton Line A379 road.

The post will be hosted by the South Devon Area of National Beauty (AONB).

A study has shown that there is now no room left to move the road following the severe storm of 2018 which devastated 700m of the highway and made it necessary to move it up 20m closer to the edge of Slapton Ley. Though it is impossible to predict when damage will occur, sea level rise and changing weather patterns will lead to the road being increasingly at risk.

As a result the Partnership have had to create a new plan of action for the future and accepts that, if another storm badly damages the road and it can’t be easily repaired, the road is unlikely to be replaced again.

The Partnership knows that this would have a huge impact on local communities and road users, so they have created an Adaptation Plan. This has been informed by suggestions from the community at a series of recent workshops to reduce the impact and make changes to help the communities thrive after the road has gone.

Significant funding has already been used to improve passing places and road surfaces along alternative routes and some improvements will continue to be made.

Cllr Julian Brazil, SHDC Ward Member for Stokenham, said: “If the road goes then we have to have a plan B. It is vital to support the local businesses and local communities. This funding will help us prepare for the future. We hope for the best but we must plan for the worst.”

Cllr Richard Foss, SHDC Ward Member for Allington and Strete, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to help fund the Adaptation Manager. We do need to adapt to changing circumstances and having someone on the ground to support our communities and businesses is a great start to moving forward. I can assure residents that I will do my level best to support them wherever I can.”

The role will develop and share the plan through community engagement, look at improving tourism to the area and support businesses on how they can adapt to the changing area. They will also look at how they can improve road signage and access to the area’s villages and tourist destinations. Car parking and public transport to accommodate residents and visitors will also be investigated.

Martin Davies, Environment Agency’s, Flood and Coastal Risk Management Advisor, said: “We recognise the potential impact of change along this important stretch of coastline and continue to support Slapton Line Partnership and communities to adapt to coastal change.

“The Adaptation Manager is an important role, supported by the South West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, to help manage change locally and to learn lessons for other sites which could be affected by the impacts of coastal and climate change.”

Devon County Council Leader John Hart said: “The re-aligned route of the Slapton Line is much more resilient, however the location will always be vulnerable to the elements. Clearly we hope the road will be in place for many years to come but it makes sense that the Partnership considers how to prepare for the possibility of any damage in the future.”

For more information on the Slapton Line Partnership, please visit: www.slaptonline.org

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The Horror – 1/4 of Grey Bin Waste is Food

October 23, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

7 million tonnes of food waste each year in the UK.
1/4 of the waste in our bin lorries, is food waste that could have been recycled.

End the horror this Hallowe’en and recycle your pumpkin.

As if Hallowe’en wasn’t scary enough. Just think of all that food waste that could have been recycled.

This year you could make a huge difference to the amount of food waste produced in the South Hams, with one simple change: when you’re finished with your pumpkin, either home compost it or put it in your brown bin.

Any kind of food waste can be placed in your brown bin, whether cooked or uncooked, and the material goes to make soil conditioner for use in farms around the UK. You can wrap your food waste in biodegradable food waste bags, or in newspaper if you prefer.

Cllr Keith Baldry, South Ham’s District Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “The real horror at Hallowe’en is the tragic waste of so many pumpkins, which could have been recycled into soil conditioner to grow more for next year. Around the South Hams we still see approximately a quarter of food waste placed in the grey bin, so by putting your pumpkin in the brown bin this year, you could make a real difference.”

And if you’re wondering what to do with the inside of your pumpkins? Well, why not make some delicious pumpkin soup, pie or curry? The possibilities are endless – just search pumpkin on www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipes

Don’t let your pumpkin become another Hallowe’en horror – recycle for the South Hams!

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Bigbury Parish Council, Other
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Edmeston Farm to Fancy Cross, Modbury -TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF THROUGH TRAFFIC & PARKING

May 25, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

See link for details:-

190520 TTRO1930608 On Site Notice

NB This is a MAJOR diversion due to road closure

MONDAY 24 JUNE 2019
for a maximum of 5 days
Anticipated Finish MONDAY 24 JUNE 2019
Between the hours of 09:30 and 13:30

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StAnn’s Chapel development gets go-ahead for 13 dwellings

May 22, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Committee Decisions – May
At the Development Management Committee in May, councillors debated 6 applications. Here is the one for StAnn’s Chapel:-

4214/18/FUL
Address: Land at Holwell Farm, St Ann’s Chapel, TQ7 4AP

Proposal: Residential development to provide 13 dwellings with associated access, car parking, public open space and landscaping

Decision: Approved

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The Council Year Ahead

May 20, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

17/05/2019

The incoming new council at South Hams, reflects on the previous year and the challenges they now face.

Yesterday, Cllr Judy Pearce, the new Leader of South Hams District Council, presented the Council’s Annual report to the new Council. From the report, Cllr Pearce highlighted the many achievements from the last 12 months, including the new recycling, waste and cleansing contract, which will save the council £3 million.

She told the new Council, that they have also established an encouragingly positive relationship with the Homes and Communities Agency, which the new Council can build on over the coming years.

Cllr Judy Pearce, Leader of South Hams District Council said: “Members will appreciate that what is reported in the annual report took place under the last administration, and that it was written before the new Council has had an opportunity to set out the direction that the Council will take. However, there are some things that will remain unchanged and this gives us a good starting position.

“We know that while we have manged to set a balanced budget this year, we do have a forecast budget gap of £470,000 that will have to be filled. We managed to close the budget gap last year, but now we face the challenge again this year.

“We will continue to pursue the recommendations of the Peer Review, where we will continue to strive for a ‘right first time’ approach to customer service, and we also know that we want to work closer with our Town and Parish Councils; engaging, informing and listening to them on a more regular basis.”

Cllr Pearce concluded: “All this rests on running a lean and efficient Council, where finance, governance and good communications, both internal and external, are key. I am keen to foster better and more collaborative relationships between officers and Members at all levels.

“We are all trying to achieve the same goals, and if we all put our shoulder to the same wheel, it will undoubtedly turn more smoothly for the benefit of the whole District and our residents. I hope this will be reflected in next year’s annual report.”

The Annual report states that last year, the Council:

• Set a balanced budget of £8.83m

• Collected 2.7m tonnes of household waste

• Inspected 2,100 play parks

• Completed 2,433 planning applications

• Carried out 486 food inspections

• Awarded £253,000 in Community Grant Funding

• Supported 92 events

• Carried out 567 planning enforcement investigations

• Helped to deliver 69 affordable homes

• Picked up 53 fly tips

• Awarded £540,600 in Disabled Facilities Grants

• Collected 171 abandoned vehicles

• Prevented 520 households becoming homeless

The full Annual Report can be viewed here: https://www.southhams.gov.uk/article/5347/Council-Performance-and-Strategy

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South Hams Appoints New Leader

May 20, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

17/05/2019

A new four year term, a new sustainable era, a new Leader and a positive future to be built on the foundations of the Council’s transformation programme.

At their Annual Council meeting yesterday, South Hams District Council has appointed Cllr Judy Pearce as Leader of the Council.

In her acceptance speech, Cllr Pearce thanked Cllr John Tucker for his many years of dedication to the South Hams, and the foresight and courage he showed to take on the transformation programme and to see it through.

Cllr Pearce explained that while the Council is now much leaner and more efficient, there is still work to be done.

Leader of South Hams District Council, Cllr Judy Pearce said: “My priority as Leader will be to build on these sure foundations, so that everything the Council does is focused on wellbeing and prosperity of all of the residents and businesses in South Hams.

“We must welcome visitors and allow tourism to flourish, but at the same time take every care to preserve our historic buildings and landscapes, particularly the protected ones.”

During the meeting there was a lot of discussion about Climate Change, with a petition being presented to the Chairman and a number of members of the public being in attendance throughout.

It has been agreed that the Executive of South Hams District Council will consider an agenda item at its meeting on 6 June 2019 that will allow Members to give further consideration to the Climate Change programme.

During her speech, Cllr Pearce also declared that sustainability was key, she said: “We must make sure that nothing we do deliberately harms the environment by degrading or depleting natural resources.”

The Leader has also asked officers to prepare a plan to make all reasonable and rational carbon footprint savings within the way that the Council works and to offer all assistance possible to Devon County Council and their climate change agenda.

During the meeting, Cllr Bastone was appointed as Deputy Leader, Cllr Rosemary Rowe was appointed Chairman of the Council and Cllr Foss was appointed as Vice Chairman of the Council for the Council year 2019/20.

The Councillors appointed to the Executive are; Cllrs Baldry, Hawkins, Hopwood and May.

The political composition of the Council is now as follows: Three political groups: The Conservatives, with Cllr Pearce as their Leader; The Liberal Democrats with Cllr Baldry as their Leader and The Green Party with Cllr Hodgson as their Leader. There are also two non-aligned independent members.

Following the Annual meeting of the Council, further information about which councillors have been appointed to which committee will be available on the Council’s website:

https://www.southhams.gov.uk/article/761/Councillors-and-Committees

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Plans for the future of Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon receive ringing endorsement

March 19, 2019 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

It’s taken three years to shape, publish and consult on, but the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan has now been endorsed by independent Government Inspectors.

The ambitious plan for what Plymouth and South West Devon could be like in 2034 covering important issues like health, transport, homes, jobs and the economy, green spaces and infrastructure is now set to be formally adopted by the three councils later this week and early next week.

The Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan is being reported to the Full Council in each local authority on the following days:

South Hams – Thursday 21 March

Plymouth – Tuesday 26 March

West Devon – Tuesday 26 March

The Joint Local Plan looks at every aspect of how we want our cities, towns and villages to look and feel for years to come.

The plan area covers a population of 401,567 people who were all asked to contribute to its policies and development sites.

The councils have this week learnt that the Inspectors have endorsed the Joint Local Plan.

Councillor Graham Parker, from West Devon Borough Council, Chair of the Steering Group for the Joint Local Plan, speaking on behalf of the Joint Member Steering Group who oversaw the plan’s preparations said: “We are really pleased that the strategy set out in the plan and the supporting policies which will guide development in the next 20 years have been supported by the Inspectors.
“When this plan is adopted it will be only the 13th Joint Local Plan in the country and one of a very few that have meet the housing and employment needs for their communities in full. All three authorities are now committed to working together to deliver what we have set out in this radical plan.”

Councillor Judy Pearce, South Hams District Councillor on the Joint Member Steering Group added: “This really is an historic moment for all three councils. We came together three years ago because it just made sense to look at this entire area – all 2,126 square kilometres of it – as where people live, work and play are so interconnected. By doing this we have been able to put in place planning policies that will ensure we get the right development in the right place, and protecting the highly valued landscapes of our AONBs.”

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure at Plymouth City Council said: “The plan sets out an unashamedly ambitious agenda for what Plymouth and South West Devon could be like in 2034. The plan makes provision for 26,700 new homes, of which 6,600 will be affordable homes to rent and buy, with 86 per cent planned for brownfield sites in Plymouth. The plan also proposes 375,208 square metres of new employment floor space and along with other employment generating development will create around 20,400 jobs, with 71 per cent of the planned growth to be focussed on the Plymouth Policy Area.”

The Joint Local Plan is a big, complex document. Councillor Coker continued: “Young families will be interested in knowing what the future plans are for new schools and colleges, and how the city and surrounding area plans to build enough homes for people to live in as well as where play areas could be.

“Those passionate about the environment might be interested in the policies that protect important green spaces, parks and sports facilities and how we plan to cut carbon emissions.”

The plan gives clarity to investors about where new developments are supported, where infrastructure improvements are planned while companies looking to move to the area will have policies to support their expansion plans.

Shoppers can see how the city centre might develop or ideas to support more local shops in thriving towns and villages of South Hams and West Devon.

Neighbourhood Planning Forums will now have the strategic policy framework to take forward their own neighbourhood plans for their areas.

The Joint Local Plan in numbers:

It covers 2,126 sq.km, nearly 55 per cent in West Devon, over 40 per cent in South Hams and just four per cent in Plymouth
The plan area covers a population of 401,567 people
Plymouth has 70 per cent of the plan area’s population with 262,712 people
Plymouth’s economic output is £5.2 billion and 130,000 total jobs
The market and coastal towns of West Devon and South Hams, together with a wider network of towns, villages and hamlets provide homes for 138,855 people, 54,385 in West Devon and 84,470 in South Hams.
West Devon is one of the most sparsely populated council areas with a population density of 47people/km2 compared to 95/km2 in South Hams and 3,284/km2 in Plymouth
Over the last 10 years, Plymouth has seen 9,632 homes delivered and 90 per cent were built on previously-built land. Building is underway on a further 1,440 properties and 4,520 have permission to be built.
Since 2014, 5,826 homes have been delivered in the Joint Local Plan Area. At April 2018, there were 1,855 dwellings under construction across the three authorities and a further 13,397 with planning consent.
An initial 600 sites were put forward through the Plymouth Plan. 168 sites are allocated in the plan for mixed use, housing, retail, employment, sports, strategic greenspaces or other uses
117 sites are allocated for housing across the whole plan area.
20 sites are identified to include provision for new retail floorspace.
There are 40 sites where new employment floorspace can be provided In Plymouth’s City Centre and Waterfront Growth Area there are allocations for 3,802 homes and 82,445 sq.m. of employment.
In the Derriford and Northern Corridor Growth Area there are allocations for 4,171 homes and 100,180 sq.m. of employment.
In the Eastern Corridor Growth Area there are allocations for 7,043 homes and 326,625 sq.m. of employment.

The Thriving Towns and Villages have the following allocations:

Dartmouth – 576 homes; 10,800 sqm employment
Ivybridge – 1,078 homes; 4,600 sqm employment
Kingsbridge – 267 homes; 200 sqm employment
Okehampton – 775 homes; 77,700 sqm employment
Tavistock – 1,203 homes; 18,600 sqm employment
Totnes – 528 homes; 7,700 sqm employment
Smaller towns and key villages – 911 homes; 46,780 sqm employment.
Overall, the plan makes provision for 26,700 new homes, of which 19,000 are within the Plymouth Policy Area and 7,700 in the Thriving Towns and Villages.
Overall, the plan makes provision for 6,600 affordable homes of which 4,550 are in the Plymouth Policy Area and 2,050 in the Thriving Towns and Villages.
Overall, the plan makes provision for 375,208 sq.m. of new employment floorspace, equivalent to around 82 hectares of land

All the latest documents and the Inspectors Report together with various supporting documents have now been uploaded at http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymswdevonplan

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN, Other
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