DRIVERS going through Yeoford are being politely asked to slow down now that four “Twenty’s Plenty” signs have been put up on roads leading into the village plus a metal one near the school.

This is the result of an appeal to Crediton Hamlets Parish Council which paid for the signs. It is also investigating the cost of a mobile Vehicle Activated Speed sign that could be used in the village, shared with three other parishes to reduce the cost.

At its December meeting, the council was updated on a petition asking Devon County Council to restore and reopen Yeoford station for the Okehampton trains.

The petition can be seen on line and in the village pub, The Duck.

There was some concern at the way Mid Devon District Council had handled a planning application for a temporary rural workers’ dwelling (mobile home) at South West Game Birds, Keymelford Cross.

The parish council was told that the application had been taken off the agenda for the district council’s planning committee meeting of December 1 because the applicant was appealing for non-determination.

The parish council was still not aware of any site visits made by district council planning officers. Members said they were frustrated at this situation and wanted to know whether the council would be able to submit comments to the Secretary of State when the appeal was considered.

It agreed to write to the district council planning department and to Mel Stride, the local MP, setting out its concerns about how this application had been handled by the district council. A Freedom of Information request might also be made.

FOR TOURISTS

An application from Mr G Bulley to use land south west of Binneford Woods, Hittisleigh, for three lodges to be used as tourist accommodation, erection of a reception building and creating of asocial facilities was supported.

Two councillors had visited the site and the council felt the lodges would be hidden from view and the site entrance had reasonable visibility.

The council also supported three further planning applications: notice of intention to fell one oak tree and one spruce within a Conservation Area at Rose Cottage, The Village for Mr S Brooking.

Variation of Condition 2 of planning permission 18/01830/FULL to allow substitute plans relating to amendment of the design of Barn 1, conversion of agricultural building to two dwellings at Westacott Barton, Crediton for Mr M Salter.

Removal of Condition 3 of planning permission 12/00005/FULL relating to holiday occupancy to allow full residential use - change of use from research and development facility to holiday let, at Holiday Let Middle Hollacombe, Hollacombe for Professor T Davies.

CONDITIONAL APPROVALS

Mid Devon District Council had granted the following planning applications:

Alterations to an existing garage and erection of holiday let at Priestcott, Posbury, Crediton for Mr S Rowden.

Notification of intention to crown lift all trees of various species to three metres from ground level within the Conservation Area at Yeoford Railway Station for Great Western Railway.

To build a two-storey rear extension, putting glazing to the front porch roof, enlarge ground floor hall window and installation of a roof light to the garage at 3 Elston Meadow, Crediton for Mr P and Mrs S Haynes.

HEART MATTERS

For some time councillors have backed the idea of a defibrillator at Hookway. It was agreed to ask Downes Crediton Golf Club if the one there could be relocated outside the club house so that it was available out of hours.

Members looked at where another could go in the parish and asked the clerk to check if there was one at Tedburn St Mary.

Devon County Councillor Frank Letch was asked to suggest to that council that it should have an app showing all the defibrillators in Devon.

After discussion, it was resolved to make a £175 grant towards the upkeep of the churchyards at St Luke’s at Posbury, Holy Trinity at Yeoford and Yeoford Chapel.

It was also resolved to make a grant of £150 towards the upkeep of the War Memorial in Crediton that also bears the names of those who fell from the Crediton Hamlets area.

Members also agreed to make a grant of £150 to Mid Devon Mobility because it also provides support for residents of the parish.

It was reported that Life Support Training at Yeoford had been very informative although disappointing that fewer residents of the parish than had been hoped could attend.

Next meetings of the parish council are January 4, a Tuesday because of the Bank Holiday, February 7 at Yeoford Community Hall, March 7 at the Boniface Centre, April 4 at Yeoford.