Current Topics within Dunchideock and surrounding area
The following may be of interest to villagers. Some of these have been discussed or will be discussed at Parish Council meetings. Other items are for background information. If you would like to have further information, please contact the Parish Clerk or the Councillor who is responsible for your kind of query.
Relevant Planning Applications/Issues
Application for Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence (dated 16 July 2020)
Aardvark Hire Ltd of Unit 26, The Quarry, Dunchideock, Exeter, EX2 9UA is applying to change an existing licence as follows: To add an operating centre to keep 8 goods vehicles and 5 trailers at Unit 26, The Quarry, Dunchideock, Exeter, EX2 9UA. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.
Aardvark Hire Ltd have informed the Parish Council that this is purely an administrative matter, relating to an incorrect postcode and have categorically confirmed that they "are not looking to apply for any new license nor are (they) looking to uplift (their) capacity in the foreseeable future."
Aardvark Hire Ltd of Unit 26, The Quarry, Dunchideock, Exeter, EX2 9UA is applying to change an existing licence as follows: To add an operating centre to keep 8 goods vehicles and 5 trailers at Unit 26, The Quarry, Dunchideock, Exeter, EX2 9UA. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.
Aardvark Hire Ltd have informed the Parish Council that this is purely an administrative matter, relating to an incorrect postcode and have categorically confirmed that they "are not looking to apply for any new license nor are (they) looking to uplift (their) capacity in the foreseeable future."
Planning Application - Pitmans Barn
20/00170/LBC Increase of chimney on a listed building
20/00170/LBC Increase of chimney on a listed building
Planning Application - Pitmans Barn
14/00933/COU See approval notice and officers report under documents found on the link to Teignbridge planning portal
14/00933/COU See approval notice and officers report under documents found on the link to Teignbridge planning portal
Planning Application - Pitmans Barn
19/02094/LBC See approval notice and officers report under documents found on the link to Teignbridge planning portal
19/02094/LBC See approval notice and officers report under documents found on the link to Teignbridge planning portal
Planning Application - Old Mill Cottage
19/01997/FUL. Single storey rear extension and associated works. To be discussed at the Extraordinary Meeting on Tuesday 22nd October in the Village Hall.
19/01997/FUL. Single storey rear extension and associated works. To be discussed at the Extraordinary Meeting on Tuesday 22nd October in the Village Hall.
Planning Application - Pitmans Barn, Change of Use
19/01710/FUL Pitmans Barn Change of use of agricultural land to domestic curtilage, creation of new access and erect workshop/carport and associated hardstanding and works. To be discussed at extraordinary meeting on Tuesday 22 October at 7.30pm village Hall
19/01710/FUL Pitmans Barn Change of use of agricultural land to domestic curtilage, creation of new access and erect workshop/carport and associated hardstanding and works. To be discussed at extraordinary meeting on Tuesday 22 October at 7.30pm village Hall
Planning Application - Lawful Development Certificate
19/01358/CLDE Treetops. The application is for a Lawful Development Certificate in respect of Non-Compliance with an Agricultural Occupancy Condition which refers to "persons whose employment or latest employment is or was employment in agriculture". Discussed at the Parish Council meeting on August the 13th. An explanatory note, together with the Parish Council’s response to TDC on this application is appended as an annex to the August 13th Draft Minutes.
19/01358/CLDE Treetops. The application is for a Lawful Development Certificate in respect of Non-Compliance with an Agricultural Occupancy Condition which refers to "persons whose employment or latest employment is or was employment in agriculture". Discussed at the Parish Council meeting on August the 13th. An explanatory note, together with the Parish Council’s response to TDC on this application is appended as an annex to the August 13th Draft Minutes.
Planning Application - Change of roof materials & Roof Extension19-00668-FUL Greenacres.
Application for change of roof materials from concrete tiles to natural slate and to extend existing front dormer with a Juliet balcony - retrospective application. Discussed at the Parish Council meeting on August the 13th. An explanatory note together with the Parish Council’s response to TDC on this application (particularly in respect of a protected bat roost) is appended as an annex to the August 13th Draft Minutes.
UPDATE: Decision Notice Issued by TDC. See here
Application for change of roof materials from concrete tiles to natural slate and to extend existing front dormer with a Juliet balcony - retrospective application. Discussed at the Parish Council meeting on August the 13th. An explanatory note together with the Parish Council’s response to TDC on this application (particularly in respect of a protected bat roost) is appended as an annex to the August 13th Draft Minutes.
UPDATE: Decision Notice Issued by TDC. See here
Planning Application - Agricultural Building change of use
Application for change of use under the Town and Country Planning Act (General Permitted Development Order) of an agricultural building to three dwellings, at Yeos Farm, Kenn Parish. Although this development is outside the Dunchideock parish boundary, there may be local residents who will wish to comment and for this reason we have included it here for information purposes. The planning reference is 19/000101/NPA and the deadline for responses is the 15th February 2019. You can view the application and supporting documents on the Teignbridge Planning Portal by clicking the following link:
https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/planning/forms/planning-application-details/?Type=Application&Refval=19/00101/NPA&MN=Y
Application for change of use under the Town and Country Planning Act (General Permitted Development Order) of an agricultural building to three dwellings, at Yeos Farm, Kenn Parish. Although this development is outside the Dunchideock parish boundary, there may be local residents who will wish to comment and for this reason we have included it here for information purposes. The planning reference is 19/000101/NPA and the deadline for responses is the 15th February 2019. You can view the application and supporting documents on the Teignbridge Planning Portal by clicking the following link:
https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/planning/forms/planning-application-details/?Type=Application&Refval=19/00101/NPA&MN=Y
Planning Application - Agricultural Building change of use
Update: week 25 February. This application has been granted Prior Approval. See the link below to the notice.
Dunchideock Parish Council has been informed of an application for change of use of an agricultural building to two dwellings, at Treetops near Webberton Wood.
The Planning Reference is 18/02553/NPA and the deadline for responses is the 18th January 2019. You can view all associated documents on the Teignbridge planning Portal by clicking the following link: https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/planning/forms/planning-application-details/?Type=Application&Refval=18/02553/NPA
The application will be included as an item on the agenda for discussion at the Parish Council meeting on the 15th January 2019.
Update: week 25 February. This application has been granted Prior Approval. See the link below to the notice.
Dunchideock Parish Council has been informed of an application for change of use of an agricultural building to two dwellings, at Treetops near Webberton Wood.
The Planning Reference is 18/02553/NPA and the deadline for responses is the 18th January 2019. You can view all associated documents on the Teignbridge planning Portal by clicking the following link: https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/planning/forms/planning-application-details/?Type=Application&Refval=18/02553/NPA
The application will be included as an item on the agenda for discussion at the Parish Council meeting on the 15th January 2019.
Dunchideock Barton Quarry
Aardvark have applied to the Traffic Commissioner for a variation on their operators licence - they have applied for an additional number of goods vehicles and trailers.
A copy of the licence can be found here together with details of how you can participate in the process. Note that representations must be in writing to the Traffic Commissioner and must be received by midnight on 19 December.
This will be discussed at the Parish Council meeting on 19 December in the Village Hall.
Aardvark have applied to the Traffic Commissioner for a variation on their operators licence - they have applied for an additional number of goods vehicles and trailers.
A copy of the licence can be found here together with details of how you can participate in the process. Note that representations must be in writing to the Traffic Commissioner and must be received by midnight on 19 December.
This will be discussed at the Parish Council meeting on 19 December in the Village Hall.
Parish Council Updates
UPDATES 21 October 2019
Road Surface at entrance to School Wood Quarry
As a result of an enquiry by a councillor regarding the condition of the road surface, the Chief Officer for Highways has contacted the Council with the following comments:
"I can confirm that the location has been re-inspected, and although the area is not in particularly good condition, it does not currently meet safety intervention levels. Unfortunately funding is not available to treat the whole area this financial year, but there are some areas of serviceability that could be rectified to improve the condition, and as such I have made a request that this is considered. Furthermore a scheme for future works has been promoted to deal with the whole area, should we be successful in obtaining funding. The area will of course continue to be monitored through formal safety inspections, and actions taken accordingly."
As a result of an enquiry by a councillor regarding the condition of the road surface, the Chief Officer for Highways has contacted the Council with the following comments:
"I can confirm that the location has been re-inspected, and although the area is not in particularly good condition, it does not currently meet safety intervention levels. Unfortunately funding is not available to treat the whole area this financial year, but there are some areas of serviceability that could be rectified to improve the condition, and as such I have made a request that this is considered. Furthermore a scheme for future works has been promoted to deal with the whole area, should we be successful in obtaining funding. The area will of course continue to be monitored through formal safety inspections, and actions taken accordingly."
UPDATES 24 September 2019
Defibrillator update
At last we have managed to achieve the installation of our 3rd defibrillator. It is on the wall opposite and slightly down from the entrance to the Lord Haldon Hotel. We would like to thank all our donors for their patience while we overcame the challenges to get the defib sited in this location. We believe we have achieved a sustainable best value solution. Our thanks to AETCS Electrical Contractors ltd for the work he did with Western Power on our behalf to reduce the cost of the installation and to Teignbridge District Council for the grant towards the installation. We are scoping the desire for a further defibrillator at Underdown and will report back in due course.
Saving our Telephone Box
The Parish Council has made a request to adopt the telephone kiosk on Blacksmiths Hill, should a decision be made to take it out of service. The telephone box is one of 27 across Devon which is subject to BT consultation. No calls have been made from it in the last 12 months. We feel that is should be preserved as an iconic landmark. If we are successful in the adoption, we will ask you, our community if you would like to make use of it or simply preserve it as it is.
The Tree Charter
The Parish Council has signed up to the Tree Charter. 800 years ago the Charter of the Forest was signed two years after the Magna Carta to protect the rights of free men to access and use the Royal Forests. Today at a time when England may have tipped into deforestation with more trees being cut down than planted for the first time in 40 years, the Parish Council agreed to sign up to protecting the future for people for generations to come. If you would like to read more or sign up to the Charter please click here. The parish Council will be taking part in the National Plant a Tree day on 30th November. More information to follow.
New Notice Board for Kings Road bridge/Belvedere Park corner
The existing notice board is constantly overcrowded with too many notices, posters etc, so your Parish Council has been looking at options for replacing it with a larger one. Any replacement would be subject to obtaining funding because there are insufficient reserves for projects like this.
We have found it very difficult to find a hardwood notice board supplier at a price less than about £1,500, whereas we could replace it with a metal one for much less. However, the consensus is that a hardwood replacement for the existing one would be more in keeping.
Quotations from a local craftsman will be compared with commercial examples at our next meeting.
Bus Shelter Project
At the Annual Parish meeting, a resident asked whether there was any possibility of a bus shelter being provided. Clearly, at the present time, there is unlikely to be financial support for two in the village, so we have had to consider the options and practicalities.
There appear to be two options:-
Option 1 – Webberton Cross
Option 2 – School Lane
Both are used by residents and local workers for the 360 Country Bus service (probably roughly equally)
Webberton Cross is the stop shown on the timetable. The site for a bus shelter would have to be off the road, somewhere between Biddy Park Lane and The Old Post Office, where the road is slightly wider.
The School Lane option would have to be next to the existing notice board and again off the road but the land behind is much lower.
We are currently scoping both options, the size and style of shelter, the land availability, the highway, planning and ecological issues and the physical constraints and practicalities and then the funding possibilities
Blacksmiths Hill
The drains have been surveyed by a contractor with cctv cameras and they have reported back to Devon Highways that considerable work is required as the drains are blocked, collapsed in one place and are also too small in diameter to be fit for purpose.Devon highways know that this is a busy route, with the bus using the road, and that ice in winter is a big problem, but they have commented that there is no money available for this financial year.
The parish council have expressed their concern and have contacted the district councillor to add weight to our requests for action. We will keep pressing with Devon Highways and hope the work will be untaken in the near future.
At last we have managed to achieve the installation of our 3rd defibrillator. It is on the wall opposite and slightly down from the entrance to the Lord Haldon Hotel. We would like to thank all our donors for their patience while we overcame the challenges to get the defib sited in this location. We believe we have achieved a sustainable best value solution. Our thanks to AETCS Electrical Contractors ltd for the work he did with Western Power on our behalf to reduce the cost of the installation and to Teignbridge District Council for the grant towards the installation. We are scoping the desire for a further defibrillator at Underdown and will report back in due course.
Saving our Telephone Box
The Parish Council has made a request to adopt the telephone kiosk on Blacksmiths Hill, should a decision be made to take it out of service. The telephone box is one of 27 across Devon which is subject to BT consultation. No calls have been made from it in the last 12 months. We feel that is should be preserved as an iconic landmark. If we are successful in the adoption, we will ask you, our community if you would like to make use of it or simply preserve it as it is.
The Tree Charter
The Parish Council has signed up to the Tree Charter. 800 years ago the Charter of the Forest was signed two years after the Magna Carta to protect the rights of free men to access and use the Royal Forests. Today at a time when England may have tipped into deforestation with more trees being cut down than planted for the first time in 40 years, the Parish Council agreed to sign up to protecting the future for people for generations to come. If you would like to read more or sign up to the Charter please click here. The parish Council will be taking part in the National Plant a Tree day on 30th November. More information to follow.
New Notice Board for Kings Road bridge/Belvedere Park corner
The existing notice board is constantly overcrowded with too many notices, posters etc, so your Parish Council has been looking at options for replacing it with a larger one. Any replacement would be subject to obtaining funding because there are insufficient reserves for projects like this.
We have found it very difficult to find a hardwood notice board supplier at a price less than about £1,500, whereas we could replace it with a metal one for much less. However, the consensus is that a hardwood replacement for the existing one would be more in keeping.
Quotations from a local craftsman will be compared with commercial examples at our next meeting.
Bus Shelter Project
At the Annual Parish meeting, a resident asked whether there was any possibility of a bus shelter being provided. Clearly, at the present time, there is unlikely to be financial support for two in the village, so we have had to consider the options and practicalities.
There appear to be two options:-
Option 1 – Webberton Cross
Option 2 – School Lane
Both are used by residents and local workers for the 360 Country Bus service (probably roughly equally)
Webberton Cross is the stop shown on the timetable. The site for a bus shelter would have to be off the road, somewhere between Biddy Park Lane and The Old Post Office, where the road is slightly wider.
The School Lane option would have to be next to the existing notice board and again off the road but the land behind is much lower.
We are currently scoping both options, the size and style of shelter, the land availability, the highway, planning and ecological issues and the physical constraints and practicalities and then the funding possibilities
Blacksmiths Hill
The drains have been surveyed by a contractor with cctv cameras and they have reported back to Devon Highways that considerable work is required as the drains are blocked, collapsed in one place and are also too small in diameter to be fit for purpose.Devon highways know that this is a busy route, with the bus using the road, and that ice in winter is a big problem, but they have commented that there is no money available for this financial year.
The parish council have expressed their concern and have contacted the district councillor to add weight to our requests for action. We will keep pressing with Devon Highways and hope the work will be untaken in the near future.
UPDATES 26 February 2019
Defibrillator update
We have placed an order for 3 defibrillators which should be with us shortly. We have volunteers to do the weekly checks for the sites at the village hall and the end of the Lord Haldon Hotel driveway so we just need someone for the unit at Dunchideock Barton. We will arrange installation as soon as the units arrive. Following this they will be placed on the National Defibrillator database and the South Western Ambulance dispatch system as active and available for use.
A community defibrillator awareness course will be run in the village hall by the Community Heartbeat Trust, the charity we are working with. This will be advertised when a date has been arranged. It is useful to understand what to expect if you need to use a defibrillator but we would emphasise that these machines will talk you through the whole process so you don't need to be trained to use them. The defibrillator will diagnose the patient's condition and will only deliver a shock if required. Through the generous donations towards this project, we as a community have provided a greater chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.
First Aid Training
Two free first aid sessions were made available in February, one in Dunchideock and the other in Shillingford St George. It was good to see our parishioners at both events. 30 people received training and our thanks go to our resident paramedic who gave up his time over two weekends to run these events. The CPR training equipment donated by the British Heart Foundation was put to good use. If anyone missed the training and would like to book out a CPR training pack which includes an instructional DVD and resuscitation equipment, please contact the Parish Chairman on 01392 811614 or lowerhorrels@gmail.com
Litter Pick
12 volunteers came out for our litter pick on Saturday 23 February. This was the second litter pick that this Parish Council has run and despite having picked up the rubbish a few months ago, it was astounding how much was collected. We met several residents who said that they do this on a regular basis when walking through the village and our thanks go to them for helping to keep on top of the litter that seems to be thrown from passing vehicles on a regular basis. We were able to cover all the parish roads with our teams. Our thanks go to Councillor Robin Bean for organising the event.
We have placed an order for 3 defibrillators which should be with us shortly. We have volunteers to do the weekly checks for the sites at the village hall and the end of the Lord Haldon Hotel driveway so we just need someone for the unit at Dunchideock Barton. We will arrange installation as soon as the units arrive. Following this they will be placed on the National Defibrillator database and the South Western Ambulance dispatch system as active and available for use.
A community defibrillator awareness course will be run in the village hall by the Community Heartbeat Trust, the charity we are working with. This will be advertised when a date has been arranged. It is useful to understand what to expect if you need to use a defibrillator but we would emphasise that these machines will talk you through the whole process so you don't need to be trained to use them. The defibrillator will diagnose the patient's condition and will only deliver a shock if required. Through the generous donations towards this project, we as a community have provided a greater chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.
First Aid Training
Two free first aid sessions were made available in February, one in Dunchideock and the other in Shillingford St George. It was good to see our parishioners at both events. 30 people received training and our thanks go to our resident paramedic who gave up his time over two weekends to run these events. The CPR training equipment donated by the British Heart Foundation was put to good use. If anyone missed the training and would like to book out a CPR training pack which includes an instructional DVD and resuscitation equipment, please contact the Parish Chairman on 01392 811614 or lowerhorrels@gmail.com
Litter Pick
12 volunteers came out for our litter pick on Saturday 23 February. This was the second litter pick that this Parish Council has run and despite having picked up the rubbish a few months ago, it was astounding how much was collected. We met several residents who said that they do this on a regular basis when walking through the village and our thanks go to them for helping to keep on top of the litter that seems to be thrown from passing vehicles on a regular basis. We were able to cover all the parish roads with our teams. Our thanks go to Councillor Robin Bean for organising the event.
UPDATES 05 DECEMBER 2018
Community Litter Pick - Saturday 24th November
The Parish Council would like to thank all those who braved the wet weather to come out to support the litter pick on Saturday 24th November. 12 people filled 10 bags of rubbish. The village hall committee welcomed us back with home made soup and a roll to warm us all up. There will be a further litter pick on Saturday 23rd February next year so please put this date in your diary and help us tidy up the village before the hedges and verges begin to grow.
The Parish Council would like to thank all those who braved the wet weather to come out to support the litter pick on Saturday 24th November. 12 people filled 10 bags of rubbish. The village hall committee welcomed us back with home made soup and a roll to warm us all up. There will be a further litter pick on Saturday 23rd February next year so please put this date in your diary and help us tidy up the village before the hedges and verges begin to grow.
Public Rights of Way
Ros Davies, the DCC Rights of Way Officer is invited to the next Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 15th January in the village hall. She will update us on grant funding that is available to maintain our four rights of way. This may be to improve stiles, gates or surfaces. There will be an organised walk on our village footpaths on Sunday 7th April. This will be combined with an Easter egg hunt and will give us an opportunity to assess the condition of the paths. Look out for more information on this event on the website and noticeboards nearer the time.
Ros Davies, the DCC Rights of Way Officer is invited to the next Parish Council meeting on Tuesday 15th January in the village hall. She will update us on grant funding that is available to maintain our four rights of way. This may be to improve stiles, gates or surfaces. There will be an organised walk on our village footpaths on Sunday 7th April. This will be combined with an Easter egg hunt and will give us an opportunity to assess the condition of the paths. Look out for more information on this event on the website and noticeboards nearer the time.
Free First Aid Session
A resident paramedic has offered to run free first aid awareness sessions for us. There will be one in the village hall on Saturday 9th February 10-1pm. We will also be running a Community Defibrillator Awareness session once the defibrillators are installed. If you can't make the first aid input on 9th February, there will be one held in the village hall at Shillingford St George the following Saturday 16th February and you would be welcome to attend.
A resident paramedic has offered to run free first aid awareness sessions for us. There will be one in the village hall on Saturday 9th February 10-1pm. We will also be running a Community Defibrillator Awareness session once the defibrillators are installed. If you can't make the first aid input on 9th February, there will be one held in the village hall at Shillingford St George the following Saturday 16th February and you would be welcome to attend.
Defibrillators
There has been a fantastic response to the fund raising for the community defibrillators from businesses and private donations. We will be able to place an order for the defibrillators soon and may manage to fund a 3rd unit. The Chairman would like to thank you all for the tremendous support and recognition of the importance of easy access this vital lifesaving equipment. Should anyone like to donate to the fund, please ring Sarah Sharpe on 811614, email her on lowerhorrels@gmail.com or speak to any of our councillors.
There has been a fantastic response to the fund raising for the community defibrillators from businesses and private donations. We will be able to place an order for the defibrillators soon and may manage to fund a 3rd unit. The Chairman would like to thank you all for the tremendous support and recognition of the importance of easy access this vital lifesaving equipment. Should anyone like to donate to the fund, please ring Sarah Sharpe on 811614, email her on lowerhorrels@gmail.com or speak to any of our councillors.
Felling of the Lime tree at junction of School Lane for reasons of public safety
It was sad to see the lime tree felled. The survey we had commissioned recommended that it was felled before the winter. The survey is available here.
It was sad to see the lime tree felled. The survey we had commissioned recommended that it was felled before the winter. The survey is available here.
Parish Noticeboards
The consultation on the parish noticeboards has been extended to give our residents an opportunity to have a say, as there were only a handful of responses. Do you read the noticeboards? Which ones? Should we maintain what we have, reduce the number and give the community use of others? Should we have more boards? Any other ideas? If you have a view on the noticeboards, please contact Councillor Stephen Moor on 832697 or email stephenmoor70@gmail.com
The consultation on the parish noticeboards has been extended to give our residents an opportunity to have a say, as there were only a handful of responses. Do you read the noticeboards? Which ones? Should we maintain what we have, reduce the number and give the community use of others? Should we have more boards? Any other ideas? If you have a view on the noticeboards, please contact Councillor Stephen Moor on 832697 or email stephenmoor70@gmail.com
UPDATES 18 NOVEMBER 2018
Community Litter Pick - Saturday 24th November - Please come and help
The Parish Council has not held a litter pick for some time. Although these are generally held in the spring, concern has been expressed about the amount of litter around the village. Whilst we will hold a litter pick in the spring of next year, Teignbridge District Council offered us a short notice date to do one before the winter sets in as well. We will therefore be meeting at 10am at the village hall this coming Saturday 24th November. We have advertised this as widely as we can in the time available. Your parish councillors will be there and would welcome any help you may be able to give. All equipment is provided but please wear suitable footwear and clothing for inclement weather, We will look forward to seeing you and the Village Hall Committee have kindly offered to provide refreshments afterwards.
The Parish Council has not held a litter pick for some time. Although these are generally held in the spring, concern has been expressed about the amount of litter around the village. Whilst we will hold a litter pick in the spring of next year, Teignbridge District Council offered us a short notice date to do one before the winter sets in as well. We will therefore be meeting at 10am at the village hall this coming Saturday 24th November. We have advertised this as widely as we can in the time available. Your parish councillors will be there and would welcome any help you may be able to give. All equipment is provided but please wear suitable footwear and clothing for inclement weather, We will look forward to seeing you and the Village Hall Committee have kindly offered to provide refreshments afterwards.
Felling of the Lime tree at junction of School Lane for reasons of public safety
To recap, this magnificent lime tree at the junction of School lane near Dunchideock House was planted to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, in 1897. Unfortunately the tree is now reaching the end of its life - it has a great deal of deep rot at its base and there is a significant amount of dead wood in the crown. This has been confirmed by a specialist who has advised that it should be felled before the winter.
An ecological survey has established that there are unlikely to be any roosting bats but the contractors will be advised to leave the tree in situ for at least 48 hours after felling to ensure any inhabiting species have the time to relocate. A colony of wild bees that we have been advised of needed to be eradicated prior to the felling as they would have presented a hazard to the contractors and possibly nearby households. This was advised by two bee keepers. All other options were considered before a professional service was engaged. The original tree contractor was instructed to fell the tree as they offered best value in terms of quotes. However they have not produced the required public liability insurance proof or a risk assessment and have proven difficult to get hold of or to establish an early date to do the work. An alternative contractor will be considered at the Parish Council at our meeting on Tuesday 20 November. We will endeavour to progress this matter as soon as we can.
To recap, this magnificent lime tree at the junction of School lane near Dunchideock House was planted to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, in 1897. Unfortunately the tree is now reaching the end of its life - it has a great deal of deep rot at its base and there is a significant amount of dead wood in the crown. This has been confirmed by a specialist who has advised that it should be felled before the winter.
An ecological survey has established that there are unlikely to be any roosting bats but the contractors will be advised to leave the tree in situ for at least 48 hours after felling to ensure any inhabiting species have the time to relocate. A colony of wild bees that we have been advised of needed to be eradicated prior to the felling as they would have presented a hazard to the contractors and possibly nearby households. This was advised by two bee keepers. All other options were considered before a professional service was engaged. The original tree contractor was instructed to fell the tree as they offered best value in terms of quotes. However they have not produced the required public liability insurance proof or a risk assessment and have proven difficult to get hold of or to establish an early date to do the work. An alternative contractor will be considered at the Parish Council at our meeting on Tuesday 20 November. We will endeavour to progress this matter as soon as we can.
Quarry update
Following a number of reported incidents with vehicles connected to the quarry, this matter has been placed on the agenda for the Parish Council meeting on 20 November at the request of a parishioner.
Following a number of reported incidents with vehicles connected to the quarry, this matter has been placed on the agenda for the Parish Council meeting on 20 November at the request of a parishioner.
Defibrillators
Following our unsuccessful application to the National Lottery, we have been told that they are currently not looking favourably on funding for community defibrillators as there are a number of other charities who are offering grant funded options. In order to ensure our project is viable, we have reconsidered the number of units we aim to initially install and it is proposed that we aim for two, one at the village hall and one in the vicinity of the Lord Haldon Hotel driveway. We will aim to provide one unit through grant funding and another through business and private donations. We have already had two grants promised of £500 each and we have a further application for £300 funding from a small local charity, The outcome of this application will be known by the end of November and if successful, we will be in a position to purchase the first unit.
We have had pledges of £875 so far from local business and parishioners so this fund is also growing fast. If you would like to give a donation, please contact our Parish Clerk, Sara Westcott via email parishclerk@dunchideock.org.uk or our Chairman Sarah Sharpe 01392 811614 lowerhorrels@gmail.com
Thanks to the offer from a paramedic who lives in the village, we plan to provide free first aid and defibrillator awareness sessions to our parishioners and employees of contributing businesses. Dates will be published shortly.
We would like to thank everyone who has supported us so far.
Following our unsuccessful application to the National Lottery, we have been told that they are currently not looking favourably on funding for community defibrillators as there are a number of other charities who are offering grant funded options. In order to ensure our project is viable, we have reconsidered the number of units we aim to initially install and it is proposed that we aim for two, one at the village hall and one in the vicinity of the Lord Haldon Hotel driveway. We will aim to provide one unit through grant funding and another through business and private donations. We have already had two grants promised of £500 each and we have a further application for £300 funding from a small local charity, The outcome of this application will be known by the end of November and if successful, we will be in a position to purchase the first unit.
We have had pledges of £875 so far from local business and parishioners so this fund is also growing fast. If you would like to give a donation, please contact our Parish Clerk, Sara Westcott via email parishclerk@dunchideock.org.uk or our Chairman Sarah Sharpe 01392 811614 lowerhorrels@gmail.com
Thanks to the offer from a paramedic who lives in the village, we plan to provide free first aid and defibrillator awareness sessions to our parishioners and employees of contributing businesses. Dates will be published shortly.
We would like to thank everyone who has supported us so far.
UPDATES 16 SEPTEMBER 2018
Proposal to fell lime tree at junction of School Lane for reasons of public safety
It was recently brought to the attention of the Parish Council that a mature lime tree at the junction of School lane near Dunchideock House is a Parish asset, having been planted to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, in 1897. Unfortunately the tree is now reaching the end of its life - it has a great deal of deep rot at its base and there is a significant amount of dead wood in the crown.
Councillors are concerned that the tree now presents a significant risk to the public - especially so given its position alongside a public highway and its direction of lean towards the road. We therefore recently asked an experienced tree specialist to check it. The specialist confirmed our original suspicions; that the level of rot means it does present a significant risk. The specialist has recommended that the tree be felled before winter and in view of this advice, the PC regrettably now needs to instruct felling as soon as practically possible.
If anyone has any queries about the proposals (which may require short-term road closure) please do contact Councillors Ellis or McCarthy.
It was recently brought to the attention of the Parish Council that a mature lime tree at the junction of School lane near Dunchideock House is a Parish asset, having been planted to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, in 1897. Unfortunately the tree is now reaching the end of its life - it has a great deal of deep rot at its base and there is a significant amount of dead wood in the crown.
Councillors are concerned that the tree now presents a significant risk to the public - especially so given its position alongside a public highway and its direction of lean towards the road. We therefore recently asked an experienced tree specialist to check it. The specialist confirmed our original suspicions; that the level of rot means it does present a significant risk. The specialist has recommended that the tree be felled before winter and in view of this advice, the PC regrettably now needs to instruct felling as soon as practically possible.
If anyone has any queries about the proposals (which may require short-term road closure) please do contact Councillors Ellis or McCarthy.
Dunchideock Barton Quarry
Following the Annual Parish Meeting in May 2018, the Parish Council has been responding to parishioners concerns regarding the heavy plant operation at Dunchideock Barton Quarry. At the last PC meeting in July, Councillor McCarthy presented a summary of the investigative work undertaken by the PC to date; this concluded that the operation appears to be 'planning-compliant'; i.e. it falls within a 'Storage and Distribution' land use class. A transcript of the statement is available here.
Since the PC meeting we have held a further site meeting with Aardvark, the owners and DCC Highways and we are continuing to work with them to find solutions in respect of (i) drainage / debris washout onto the road and (ii) the perceived safety issues associated with slow turning lorries. We understand that the debris issue should be resolved in winter 2018 when the entrance splay will finally be surfaced, whilst the safety element might potentially be addressed via new signage - providing this is acceptable to DCC Highways (this is being investigated currently).
Since the May 2018 Parish Council meeting, when a briefing was given on the ongoing investigation into the Aardvark plant hire operation at Dunchideock Quarry, Councillors have met with the owners / operator and Devon Highways to discuss road safety. In particular we highlighted the risk to downhill traffic (especially fast-moving cycles) of encountering slow moving lorries exiting / entering the quarry. Since our meeting, the owners / operators have continued their discussions with Devon Highways, and they have finally been given the green light to install a 'Caution Lorries Turning' sign before the sharp left hand bend on the downhill approach above the quarry entrance. We think this represents a significant step in improving road safety on this stretch of road. We understand that the sign has now been commissioned and it should be installed during the next month.
We will continue to update villagers on progress in these areas as more information becomes available.
Following the Annual Parish Meeting in May 2018, the Parish Council has been responding to parishioners concerns regarding the heavy plant operation at Dunchideock Barton Quarry. At the last PC meeting in July, Councillor McCarthy presented a summary of the investigative work undertaken by the PC to date; this concluded that the operation appears to be 'planning-compliant'; i.e. it falls within a 'Storage and Distribution' land use class. A transcript of the statement is available here.
Since the PC meeting we have held a further site meeting with Aardvark, the owners and DCC Highways and we are continuing to work with them to find solutions in respect of (i) drainage / debris washout onto the road and (ii) the perceived safety issues associated with slow turning lorries. We understand that the debris issue should be resolved in winter 2018 when the entrance splay will finally be surfaced, whilst the safety element might potentially be addressed via new signage - providing this is acceptable to DCC Highways (this is being investigated currently).
Since the May 2018 Parish Council meeting, when a briefing was given on the ongoing investigation into the Aardvark plant hire operation at Dunchideock Quarry, Councillors have met with the owners / operator and Devon Highways to discuss road safety. In particular we highlighted the risk to downhill traffic (especially fast-moving cycles) of encountering slow moving lorries exiting / entering the quarry. Since our meeting, the owners / operators have continued their discussions with Devon Highways, and they have finally been given the green light to install a 'Caution Lorries Turning' sign before the sharp left hand bend on the downhill approach above the quarry entrance. We think this represents a significant step in improving road safety on this stretch of road. We understand that the sign has now been commissioned and it should be installed during the next month.
We will continue to update villagers on progress in these areas as more information becomes available.
Defibrillators
Dunchideock Parish Council is committed to helping the village become a healthier place to live and therefore has submitted an application for National Lottery funding for defibrillators for the village. If successful, this will purchase 2 solar powered and 2 conventionally powered defibrillators to be sited across the parish. The grant assessment process takes about 12 weeks. We will keep you updated with progress. Each defibrillator will need to be checked weekly to ensure it is in good order. We will be seeking a volunteer to look after each unit. If you feel that you could help, please contact the Chairman, Sarah Sharpe 01392 811614 or lowerhorrels@gmail.com
A defibrillator can be used by anyone to save a life. You don't need to be trained and it won't deliver a shock unless the patient actually needs it so you can't get it wrong. However, we plan to run a free training session so that people can become familiar with the equipment and will understand what to expect, should they need to use on. Watch this website for further details once we have confirmation on funding.
Dunchideock Parish Council is committed to helping the village become a healthier place to live and therefore has submitted an application for National Lottery funding for defibrillators for the village. If successful, this will purchase 2 solar powered and 2 conventionally powered defibrillators to be sited across the parish. The grant assessment process takes about 12 weeks. We will keep you updated with progress. Each defibrillator will need to be checked weekly to ensure it is in good order. We will be seeking a volunteer to look after each unit. If you feel that you could help, please contact the Chairman, Sarah Sharpe 01392 811614 or lowerhorrels@gmail.com
A defibrillator can be used by anyone to save a life. You don't need to be trained and it won't deliver a shock unless the patient actually needs it so you can't get it wrong. However, we plan to run a free training session so that people can become familiar with the equipment and will understand what to expect, should they need to use on. Watch this website for further details once we have confirmation on funding.
