Parish Council
Date: Tuesday, 15th July 2025
Time: 7 pm – 8:30pm
Location: 10 Oak Tree Park (home of Cllr Sewell)
· Cllr Robert Sewell
· Cllr Lynn Daniels
· Cllr Derek Moore
· Cllr Niki Wooldridge
· Cllr Jacob Powell
· Dave Mallett
· The committee formally accepted the draft Terms of Reference as outlined on the village website.
· Cllr Robert Sewell was appointed Chair of the committee.
· Proposal for Robert’s appointment was made by Derek and seconded by Jake.
· It was agreed that a minimum of three people must attend any meeting, excluding the Chair, for quorum.
Discussions began on the possibility of installing a zebra crossing in the village to improve pedestrian safety.
Initial discussion about difficulties implementing outside of the Finch Foundry and Taw River.
Potential alternative location to be considered outside the Devonshire pub, which would help with proper footpath reinstatement.
Niki raised that it could installed by the Village Hall instead – potential access through back lane etc. and away from bus stops.
Road marking updates were mentioned – potential for road marking to be updated when the general road remark is undertaken by DCC highways in the next few years.
In combination with road surface treatments
A local farmer raised concerns about difficulties with road access to South Zeal, particularly for agricultural vehicles and who the adjacent land owners might be.
We need support from the School and South Zeal.
Need to ratify ideas on what the best options would be.
· The committee discussed reducing speed limits in the village as part of efforts to slow traffic, including 20mph zones.
· Different types of signage were proposed for the village, including warning signs for farm vehicles, the elderly, and speed camera signs.
The committee discussed the decommissioning of the Beacon Active Travel Group.
Beacon Active Travel Group has provided £550 from their closure, with the stipulation that the funds be used for active travel initiatives.
Discussed aligning with the West Devon Active Travel Programme to encourage walking and cycling.
The concept of “Quiet Lanes” was mentioned, with potential collaboration with West Devon Borough Council (BC).
Access for farm vehicle difficult at Willey Lane/Oaktree Park Junction, and inappropriate parking on northern side of Exeter Road, east of the shop. Potential double yellow road markings discussed in 2 areas and added to the wider masterplan.
It was agreed that financing matters would be taken to the next Parish Council meeting for discussion. Potential for Clerk to be treasury, or Lynn, but unsure of legalities.
The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, 2nd September 2025 at 7:30 pm in the Village Hall which will cost £8. (Must be pushed back a week to the 9th, as I’m no longer available).
Meetings will occur on the first Tuesday of every month moving forward to prevent clashes with other groups.
Robert Sewell: To pull all ideas onto a plan and get printed and email presentation to Sue Davies (Devon County Council councillor). Document Land ownership of road areas.
Committee Members: Explore and develop ideas for improving road safety and active travel. Niki suggested recruiting Richard Bowman as an advocate for visually impaired.
Cllr Robert Sewell