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South Hams District Council elects its new chairman
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
South Hams District Council elects its new chairman
Issued: 23 May 2024
South Hams District Council has announced its new chairman for the next 12 months at this year’s Annual Council meeting on 23 May.
Cllr Bernard Taylor, ward member for Charterlands, will be the chairman for the coming year. Cllr Taylor accepted the chain of office from the outgoing chairman, Cllr Guy Pannell. Cllr Pannell, ward member for South Brent, was appointed as vice-chairman of the council.
Cllr Taylor said: “I would like to thank our leader Julian Brazil and all of our members for having faith in me to represent the council for the next 12 months. I hope that I can do this honorary role justice on behalf of the council.
“We have some work to do as a team. Most important of all is to build affordable housing, which I believe should be top of our spending list. Not forgetting climate change and biodiversity of course, which is very important.
“Cllr Pannell has been an excellent chairman, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him. I hope that I can have a year as chairman as successful as his.”
The following committee positions were also confirmed during the Council meeting.
Executive
- Cllr Julian Brazil – Leader
- Cllr Dan Thomas – Deputy Leader
- Cllr John McKay
- Cllr John Birch
- Cllr Denise O’Callaghan
- Cllr Victor Abbott
- Cllr Jacqui Hodgson
- Cllr Nicky Hopwood
- Cllr Nadine Dommett
Audit and Governance Committee
- Cllr Lee Bonham – Chairman
- Cllr Alison Nix – Vice Chairman
Development Management Committee
- Cllr Mark Long – Chairman
- Cllr Bernard Taylor – Vice Chairman
Licensing Committee
- Cllr Simon Rake – Chairman
- Cllr Sam Penfold – Vice Chairman
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
- Cllr Jonathan Hawkins – Chairman
- Cllr Ben Cooper – Vice Chairman
Council Tax Setting Committee
- Cllr Julian Brazil - Chairman
To watch the Annual Council as it happened and to see all the appointments made during this meeting, go to our YouTube page.
Making space for wildlife
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
Making space for wildlife
Issued: 9 May 2024
Work to enhance Salcombe’s Hangar Marsh nature reserve has been completed, with part of the site reopening to the public this month.
This is part of South Hams District Council’s ongoing commitment to address biodiversity loss across the District. The Council declared this a priority within their Council Plan and they are thrilled to showcase this as just some of the excellent work which is currently being delivered with the community in the South Hams.
The small wetland reserve, located behind North Sands beach and car park, includes a sizable pond, reedbeds and other wildlife habitats. The pond has been restored, the reedbeds are actively being conserved, and woody leaky dams have been created along the stream to help manage water levels in the wetland.
A replacement section of boardwalk has been built, leading to a new bird hide next to the pond. Interpretation boards giving information about the reserve are also being updated and installed.
The reserve, owned and managed by the District Council had funds secured in 2023 amounting to £20k from Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL). The funding, administered by South Devon National Landscapes, were to restore and enhance the almost a hectare of wetland and involved 15 community volunteer days.
Local social enterprise ParkLife South West has been central in managing the restoration of the site.
Cllr John McKay, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change & Biodiversity said: “This is exactly the kind of conservation work to increase biodiversity that we’re more actively involved in and is just one of very many projects we’ll be sharing with residents in the future.
“Although this is only a small site, wetland habitats are very important, supporting a wide range of specialist wildlife species. These reed bed sites lock-in large amounts of carbon, helping to reduce the impact of climate change.
“We’re excited about the opportunities projects like this one offer, not just for improving biodiversity, but also so our communities can come together to work side-by-side with us and our partners on climate change, biodiversity and conservation work. The bird hide provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy wetland wildlife up close.”
ParkLife South West is an organisation that supports environmental volunteering, and a combination of volunteers from the local community and visiting educational groups have helped out with conservation projects at the marsh. This includes young people from Dartington-based Lifeworks, and students from Ivybridge Community College who worked at the site to help create the woody dams.
ParkLife Director, Keith Rennells, said: “The site lends itself to community activity and is a great place for visiting groups to learn about nature. We would like the community to help us manage and maintain the reserve, with projects like cutting and raking the reedbeds.”
The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme (FiPL) is funded by Defra and delivered by protected landscapes i.e National Landscapes and National Parks. It started in July 2021 and is set to continue until March 2025 as part of the government's Agricultural Transition Plan. It funds land managers, like the Council, and farmers for projects that deliver for at least one of the following - Climate, Nature, People or Place.
John Yeoman Chair of the FiPL Local Assessment Panel, commented: “This project has enabled the land manager to protect a unique site in Salcombe. It gives volunteers the opportunity to be involved and makes it possible for locals and visitors to enjoy this special area. The improvements to the boardwalk, bird hide and interpretation panels will help with the understanding and enjoyment of the area. All this addresses one of the main outcomes of the scheme, ‘people’ and to encourage their involvement in the environment.”
The Panel made up of farmers, with representatives from Natural England, RSPB, the Environment Agency and FWAG meets every two months and still has funds to distribute this year. Further information about criteria for funding, past projects and how to apply is available at www.southdevon-nl.org.uk/farming-in-protected-landscape-programme-2021-2025.
Access to Hangar Marsh is to the back of North Sands car park. A short section of boardwalk leads to the pond and hide, but beyond that the wetland reserve is not accessible to the public.
For more information about volunteering at Hangar Marsh, or educational visits: please contact the team at parklifesw@gmail.com
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Welcome To Our May Newsletter!
| Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary |
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There are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience and implementing the 
Throughout May, The BIG FIX event aims to breathe new life into broken items. Skilled volunteers repair items like electrical equipment, bikes, clothing and jewellery, fostering sustainability and saving money. Now a nationwide initiative for the fourth time, with 60 Repair Cafés participating, it aims to empower people with repair skills for the future. It is coordinated by Devon County Council.
Devon is now home to the country’s first registered “habitat bank“, a 3.2-hectare site in Duryard Valley Park, developed through collaboration between Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, and BioGains Limited.
The Devon Local Nature Partnership has recently adopted Devon's first Tree and Woodland Strategy. The aim of this strategy is to protect and enhance the county's tree and woodland resources, including those in Plymouth and Torbay, until 2050.
Devon is celebrating 
Find out about upcoming events, funding and opportunities across Devon below.
Free decarbonisation support for South Hams businesses
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
Free decarbonisation support for South Hams businesses
Issued: 08 May 2024
Businesses in the South Hams are receiving free specialist help and advice on how to reduce their environmental impact, thanks to support from Libraries Unlimited and funding from South Hams District Council.
Libraries Unlimited is providing specialist consultancy across the district to help businesses develop a decarbonisation plan. These plans will help identify a range of actions to reduce their carbon footprint and on their overall impact on the planet.
Those who take part in the scheme can also apply for Rural England Prosperity Fund decarbonisation grants, which could help to pay for implementing one or more of the measures highlighted in their decarbonisation plans.
The programme links into one of the Council’s key priorities by supporting businesses important to the local economy, helping them to save money by becoming more efficient, boosting their resilience for the years ahead while reducing their carbon footprint.
Businesses can sign up for the project by registering an interest online at https://bipc.librariesunlimited.org.uk/decarbonisation-plans/
The project has received £60,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money from South Hams District Council, so that the project can be rolled out to as wide a range of businesses as possible. Any type of business can apply for the support.
So far, 24 businesses in the South Hams have signed up to receive a decarbonisation plan.
Cllr John McKay, South Hams Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “The work being done by Libraries Unlimited on decarbonisation for businesses is important. Business activity can have a huge impact on the environment that we may not even realise, so this work raising awareness and supporting businesses to reduce their environmental impact can only be a good thing.”
Richard Love, Business and IP Centre Manager for Libraries Unlimited, said: “As a charity, Libraries Unlimited are keen to support the businesses of the South Hams to reduce their carbon footprint. Working in partnership with the council, we designed a consultancy and decarbonisation programme that would cater to businesses small and large, to provide them not only with a carbon footprint baseline, but also a decarbonisation plan with recommendations to reduce their emissions.
“Upon receipt of your decarbonisation plan, the businesses are then eligible to apply for a grant of up to £10,000 to implement those measures.
“We’ve created a tailored programme that takes into account whether your business is at the start, or at a more advanced stage on your sustainability journey, and all it takes to register your interest in joining.”
Alex Pickstone, who runs Brackenhill Glamping, one of the businesses who have signed up for a decarbonisation plan, said: “We’ve got an ongoing commitment to green tourism. I think it’s on our guests’ minds as well. They’re looking to stay in the UK, they’re looking for sustainable options. We have got beehives on site, which is really good for pollination. We manage the land, so we’ve got long areas of grass, for biodiversity.”
To find out more, visit:
Thousands in funding for two pools in the South Hams
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
Thousands in funding for two pools in the South Hams
Issued: 01 May 2024
Dartmouth Open Air Pool and Quayside Leisure Centre in Kingsbridge have received tens of thousands of pounds from the Swimming Pool Support Fund.
Quayside Leisure Centre has received £77,000 to go towards variable speed pumps and to upgrade the building management system, while Dartmouth Open Air Pool has received £48,000 for photo voltaic solar panels and pool covers.
325 swimming pools and leisure centres across England have received money from the £60.5million Phase II of the fund to help ensure their long-term sustainability by improving their energy efficiency.
The works at Dartmouth and Quayside will make them more resilient for the years ahead, ensuring these important community pools continue to improve community wellbeing and serve the people of the South Hams for years to come.
Cllr Victor Abbott, South Hams Executive Member for Community Services and Operations, said: “It’s brilliant that the District Council and its officers have secured funding for both Dartmouth and Quayside pools. They are both tremendous assets to their communities and this money will help ensure they continue to serve the people of the South Hams.
“Rising energy costs have hit us all, but leisure centres have felt these increases harder than most in recent years. It’s good to see this funding supporting centres across the country, as these facilities are hugely important to their communities.”
Jo Squires, Treasurer and Pool Manager of Dartmouth Open Air Pool, said: “We are very grateful to have been awarded £48,000 from the SPRS, as once the solar and cover are installed and all in working order, it will help to reduce our astronomic electricity bill, which was £33,000 for just the four months we are open.
“Without this money we would have to remain closed until the electricity prices came back down again. We are slowly modernizing our community pool, which has been there for 37 years. If it had to close it would be a loss to the locals who love it, as it provides a completely different swimming experience to the indoor pool.”
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Millions of people swim every year in England, but high energy costs mean some pools are struggling financially. I know from personal experience the health benefits of getting down to your local pool, whether that’s just for a few lengths, to swim with friends, or a water aerobics class.
“This further £60 million of support from the Government and Sport England will make hundreds of swimming pools more energy efficient so they can keep offering their vital community and health benefits for generations to come.”
Over 500 capital interventions in over 300 facilities with swimming pools have been awarded funding from the Government and Sport England’s £60m capital investment programme. The interventions include photo-voltaic cells, LED lights and pool covers as well as variety of other capital improvements aimed at improving the energy efficiency of public facilities with pools in the medium to long term.
264 local authorities have received a share of the funding, of which £20m has been provided by Sport England via the National Lottery and just over £40m has been provided by the Government as part of their commitment to support the long-term sustainability of public leisure.
Salcombe community helping shape its future
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
Salcombe community helping shape its future
1 May 2024
In its commitment to help local businesses thrive and flourish, South Hams District Council is working to support the economy of local towns and rural areas across the District.
As part of this wider economic priority, it has today launched a public consultation across Salcombe and its neighbouring parishes so that its residents, businesses and second homeowners can help shape the future of the town.
In its drive to make sure businesses and residents achieve their aspirations, South Hams District Council is working with the Salcombe and surrounding community to develop a Community Economic Plan. The plan will build on the town’s existing Neighbourhood Plan, create a clear economic vision and develop various projects to support growth.
Salcombe is the second town to take part in the project, with the first already happening in Ivybridge.
With climate change a top priority for both the District Council and local communities, the project also looks at ways local businesses can reduce their carbon emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change.
The project is being supported by a local steering group made up of residents, business owners, Ward Members and Salcombe Town Council. The group has been set up to make sure all voices of the community are heard.
South Hams District Council’s, Executive Member for Economic Development, Cllr John Birch, said: “Salcombe, like so many of our towns is a place where people want to work, live and visit. So that our towns can thrive and prosper, we must continue to first and foremost support the needs of the local community as well as attract visitors to the area.
“The actions and aspirations within Salcombe’s Community Economic Plan will be reflective of local opinions so we encourage all the community to take part in the consultation.”
Anyone living, working or who owns a second home in Salcombe, Marlborough or East Portlemouth can now have their say on the next chapter of their town by taking part in an online survey until 31 July.
There will also be opportunities to join local focus groups which will take place over the next three months.
Find out more details at www.mysalcombe.commonplace.is
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40-year lease renewed for popular Totnes Caravan Site
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
40-year lease renewed for popular Totnes Caravan Site
Issued: 29 April 2024
South Hams District Council has awarded a new 40-year lease to the Caravan and Motorhome Club on its Steamer Quay Road site near the riverside, in Totnes.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club occupied the campsite on a seasonal basis since 1970, a massive 54 years of Totnes visitor history.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club won a competitive tender in 2022 with proposals to spend in excess of £1m to improve its year-round facilities and to modernise the campsite.
The Club’s investment into the campsite is hoped to boost the town’s visitor economy, extending the use of the campsite into the off-peak seasons and throughout the year. Visitors would then spend money in the wider South Hams as they explore the area.
The work, which includes improvements to pitches, washroom and reception facilities and also includes installing solar power, is supported by local District Councillors and work started in mid-April.
South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development and Commercial Strategy, Cllr John Birch, said: “This is great news for Totnes to increase the number of visitors to the town throughout the year. The Caravan and Motorhome Club has a good reputation nationally and with renewed facilities, this will encourage visitors to our wonderful town and the surrounding area.
“We cannot underplay the economic impact that visitors have to our local businesses and attractions. It’s so important that as a Council, we continue to support opportunities to get the best possible outcomes for our communities and economy to thrive.”
A spokesperson for the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: "Steamer Quay Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is a hugely popular destination for members and non-members alike. The latest report by the UK Caravan and Camping Alliance shows that UK holiday parks and campsites generate £12.2billion in visitor spending each year and play a vital role in supporting local economies across the nation.
“Visitors to UK holiday parks and campsites stay 82% longer and spend 12% more than the national tourism average. Holiday parks and campsites also have strong ties to the local communities in which they are based, whether that’s through employment, supporting local marketing or fundraising initiatives.
“The Club is delighted South Hams District Council have awarded a new 40-year lease to the Club to enable people to continue to enjoy this wonderful location."
