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Energy efficiency and helping people in the South Hams is top of the agenda for SDCE

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Energy efficiency and helping people in the South Hams is top of the agenda for SDCE

26 March 2024

People living in the South Hams are saving money, energy and reducing their carbon emissions thanks to the hard work of South Dartmoor Community Energy (SDCE).

Set up in 2016, SDCE is a not-for-profit community interest company working to reduce fuel poverty, increase the energy efficiency of homes and buildings in the South Hams, and offering free and impartial energy advice to people living in the District.

They offer community drop-in sessions, where you can get advice on steps you can take to lower your carbon footprint, or access support with energy costs. You can also arrange a home visit, where a Home Energy Advisor can give specialist guidance on how to make your home more energy efficient and cheaper to run.

The group has recently received a significant boost to deliver their projects, thanks to £50,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money from South Hams District Council. The funding is helping SDCE to develop and grow its service so that the organisation can help more households in the South Hams.

Cllr John McKay, South Hams Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “We’ve been delighted to support the work of SDCE with funding from the UKSPF. They’re doing important work on the ground, helping people in the South Hams.

“As well as combatting climate change, their work has the bonus of helping people in fuel poverty and supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis. We know that energy price rises have been difficult for many of us, and we hope that anyone in the South Hams who is struggling to pay for their energy bills will reach out to a community Home Energy Advisor.”

Nicky Puttick, Project Manager of South Dartmoor Community Energy, said: “The funding from the UKSPF and South Hams District Council has been a huge boost to our work in supporting South Hams households.

“Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is a crucial step in combatting climate change. Most people don’t realise that their home can produce more carbon than their car does over the course of a year. South Hams housing is generally poorly insulated, draughty, and inefficient.

“With energy costs now being so high, many households we help are finding that they can’t afford to heat their homes anymore, which can lead to other problems like damp and mould. A well-insulated and properly ventilated home will not only save you money, but also improve your health and wellbeing – particularly in the winter months.

“Our goal is for all local people to feel comfortable and warm at home, without it costing the Earth. If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, or are curious about making your home more efficient, please get in touch.”

To find out more about SDCE, visit www.sdce.org.uk

Council embarks on vital vessel recycling project

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Council embarks on vital vessel recycling project

20 March 2024

South Hams District Council has launched an innovative project which will explore the recycling of abandoned vessels and help to reduce marine pollution.

Over the next two weeks, Creekside Boatyard in Dartmouth will dismantle a sailing boat that has reached the end of its useful life and with support from the Council, look at ways to fully recycle all parts of the boat.

The findings from the two-week study will help support local harbour authorities and coastal communities who struggle to dispose of abandoned vessels in their harbours. marinas and boatyards.

The project has the support from the Royal Yachting Association and its environmental programme The Green Blue who are currently collecting data on abandoned boats.

Cllr John Mckay, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity said: “An increase in the manufacture of recreational vessels from the 1980s means that, over the next few decades, many more will reach their end of use. Most of these will have hulls made from mixed materials such as fibre reinforced plastic.

“Currently, there are few incentives for boatowners to recycle older boats due to cost and lack of specialised recycling facilities. Most vessels that have been abandoned on the water end up being salvaged and scrapped. While some components can be commercially recycled, the majority, including composite hulls, end up in land fill.

“With our focus on climate change, it is vital we look at what we can do within our District’s waters. Being able to recycle unused vessels will go a long way in achieving our net-zero targets.”
Chris Craven, Managing Director of Creekside Boatyard said: “We are delighted to be supporting South Hams District Council in pioneering the disposal and recycling of end-of-life vessels. Our vision is that this study will play its part in providing a progressive solution to what is a big and increasing problem.”

Dave Perret, a South Devon College apprentice working at the boatyard will be on hand throughout the next two weeks to record the findings and report back to fellow students as part of their NVQ Level 3 Marine Engineering studies.

Paul Singer, Business and Qualification Development Coordinator at South Devon College said: “South Devon College are delighted to be part of this important composites recycling project. Over 75,000 tonnes of end of life composites is generated in the UK each year, with the majority ending up in land fill. This pilot project will not only provide the evidence for larger scale projects but also raise awareness of dealing with waste composites with our students.”

James Scott-Anderson from Marine Environmental Specialists Blue Parameters, who are heading up the specialist delivery of the project, commented: “This is a significant step in tackling the challenge of EOL and abandoned vessels, a practical solution with potential economic value. It demonstrates that for future marine sustainability, stakeholder partnerships like this one are essential to achieve the most impact and deliver the best outcome.”

The Council will release a report on the findings in the summer with the hope of raising awareness of the issues surrounding abandoned and end-of-use boats, and further expanding the project.

Anyone who spots an abandoned boat, can report it at www.thegreenblue.org.uk/you-and-your-boat/info-and-advice/end-of-life-boats

Bigbury car park and toilets changing operators

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Bigbury car park and toilets changing operators

Issued: 18 March 2024

Bigbury on Sea car park, leased by South Hams District Council since 1997, will soon change hands over to a new operator, RCP Parking Ltd.

Following the end of their lease, the Council has agreed they will give up both the car park and the toilet leases. To renew both leases would mean the Council would be operating at a sizable loss which would not be in the best interests for public funds.

The landowner has entered into an agreement with operator, RCP Parking Ltd, who will take on the full management of both the car park and toilets. This means visitors to Bigbury on Sea will see no interruption to the service with the current parking and public toilets remaining open and available for public use.

The District Council will no longer operate the car park and public toilets from Monday 25 March 2024.

Cllr Victor Abbott, South Hams District Council’s, Executive Member for Community Services and Leisure, said: “We have voluntarily surrendered the lease for these two assets which we have run for many years. We have to run our services sensibly, in a way which is cost effective. We have a duty to our residents to do that since we use public funds for these services and that is why we have reached this decision.

“Decisions aren’t always easy to come to, but when there is a rent increase which means we would be running at a significant loss, then it’s the right thing to do, to walk away and spend money where it’s more urgently needed.

“RCP Parking will be taking over the operation of the car park from next Monday, 25 March. They are an experienced, family run business and have been operating car parks across the UK since 1994.”

For further information on all South Hams District Council’s parking information, including their car park locations, Blue Badge, permits, EV charges and motorhome information across the South Hams, go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/parking

Community stoked with finished Kingsbridge skatepark

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Community stoked with finished Kingsbridge skatepark

 

Issued: 15 March 2024

A new skatepark in Kingsbridge has been given a green light for community use, now that fencing has been removed.

Built during winter 2023, extra fencing was the last item to be completed to make sure the skatepark was completely safe for the park’s users. With this now carefully in place, the Council would like to thank the community’s skaters who have patiently waited for the opening. They will now reap the full benefits of the park with the better weather as we head towards the spring and lighter evenings.

The skatepark was only realised thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Kingsbridge residents earlier this year and the tireless leadership of the project by local volunteers.

A Crowdfunder scheme raised more than £38,000 over just a couple of months, with Sport England reacting to this overwhelming local support by contributing £100,000. Kingsbridge Town Council provided further funding of £50,000 and South Hams District Council gave £30,000 with a further £25,000 of Section 106 Developer’s (S106) Funding. To complete the huge funding contributions, the Gibbons Trust provided £5,000 and the Norman Family Trust gave £5,000.

Adam Sherring, of the Kingsbridge Skatepark Community Group, said: “This has been a passion project, in response to seeing skaters daily desperate for a quality park. The ongoing support of people in and around Kingsbridge has been humbling, and the skatepark will bring real and long lasting improvement to the quality of life of young people in the town. I couldn’t be prouder of the way Kingsbridge has pulled together to deliver this.”

Cllr Victor Abbott, South Hams Executive Member for Community Services and Leisure, said: “The local community raised funds to deliver this skatepark in super quick time, through their local Crowdfunder which in turn attracted interest and secured funding from Sport England. This is testament to the importance Kingsbridge residents place on improving facilities for their young people. We are thrilled to have played our part in delivering a skatepark that responds to community need, and it has been a pleasure working with the local community and the Town Council to deliver this project.”

Philip Cole, Chairman of Kingsbridge Town Council, said: “We are over the moon to see the opening of the skatepark. Local young people have been extremely patient awaiting the opening, and we can’t wait to see them enjoying the new ramps.”

The construction of the project was carried out by Wheelscape, an experienced skatepark construction design and build company. They have worked closely with the skating community to design a skatepark that the local community really wants, and to respond when changes and updates to design were needed.

Elliot Hamilton, project manager at Wheelscape said: “This has been a complicated project to deliver, and we are thrilled to now see the opening of a quality skatepark.

“During the build, we were overwhelmed by the interest from local skaters and riders, and it is clear that this is going to be a popular and well used park. We are delighted to be helping to improve the health of future generations to come and we couldn’t have achieved this project in such good time without the support of the community – well done Kingsbridge!”

With drier and warmer weather in the spring, there will be a formal opening of the park, at which we can expect some music, freebies, and some expert display of skating and riding, so watch this space!

ENDS

Park and Ride Compromise Proposals Agreed

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

 

Park and Ride Compromise Proposals Agreed

 

Issued: 14 March 2024

South Hams District Council’s Executive have listened to local partners and today agreed a compromised range of parking and travel proposals for Dartmouth’s Park and Ride. The new plans would create a service which meet current demand, supports the town’s needs and reduce the total cost of the service.

The service would run in the height of the summer season between Saturday 25 May until Sunday 15 September, but would also provide a service over the peak Easter holidays and the busy Dartmouth Music Festival, Regatta and Food Festival periods.

All-day return tickets per vehicle would cost £7.50, reduced from the proposed £10 to meet cost pressures following no price increases in over a decade. Coach parking would rise to £10 in a bid to manage costs while continuing to promote tourism within the town.

A range of local permits are available, including the introduction of a new worker permit:

  • Park and Ride 12 month permit - £317 per year
  • Park and Ride Business 12 month permit - £555 per year
  • A monthly park and ride worker permit - £57 per month

The service, operated by Stagecoach, have also had their contract renewed following a service review.

Outside of the Park and Ride timetable, improved access to the Park and Ride and Health Hub will be provided by the 92 public bus service which the Council have negotiated with Stagecoach to make sure a service is provided at the Park & Ride site for easier public access to the Health Hub.

The Council will be running a public 21-day consultation on the proposals which will be advertised shortly in the press, via the Council’s social media and on their website.

Cllr Victor Abbott, our Executive Member for Community Services and Operations, said: "The Park and Ride costs us a lot of money to run and for 14 years we haven’t raised our prices, while costs around us have kept rising.

“We have met with our Dartmouth local partners, Dartmouth Chamber of Commerce, Town Council and local councillors and have come up with a compromise on charges. Some of the losses to the Council will reduce, but not go entirely.

“When we have the technology in place, we will work on a residents’ permit and the potential of a combined Lower Ferry and Park and Ride one too. We’re doing everything we can to get the best deal for Dartmouth for this service with the finances available.

“We want your views so please do have your say on our public consultation once it is live in the coming weeks.”

Cllr Cathy Campos, Dartmouth Deputy Mayor and Dartmouth Town Councillor, said: “Dartmouth Town Council is very relieved to have been given the opportunity to work with South Hams District Council on modifying their original proposals for the Dartmouth Park and Ride.

“The South Hams Executive listened to us and the Dartmouth and District Chamber of Commerce, and we would like to thank them for doing so. We feel the new proposals are a fair compromise and support them.

“We would also like to thank our three-ward members for their support and arguing Dartmouth’s corner. We hope this spirit of compromise and cooperation with South Hams District Council signals a new closer relationship between Town and District Council.”

Cllr Ben Cooper, Ward Member for Dartmouth, said: “As local members we have been key in getting this compromise for Dartmouth residents and businesses. We have raised a number of new ideas including extending the service for the music festival and I’m also personally keen to see a joint Lower Ferry and Park and Ride pass.”

Cllr Jonathan Hawkins, Ward Member for Dartmouth, said: “Thank you to the Executive for listening to the Chamber of Commerce and local Members. You have listened to a lot of what has been said. I think the charge is fair. Although I would of course prefer zero, I understand we can’t do that.

“I am particularly pleased that a monthly tickets is available and will continue to press for a full resident permit that is cost effective for our residents. Let’s make the Park & Ride look really good, welcoming to Dartmouth and the South Hams and signpost it well.

Cllr Ged Yardy, Ward Member for Dartmouth, said: “I welcome the proposals and I recognise there are some good compromises that support the needs of local residents and workers versus the increased costs of Stagecoach. The savings with the monthly passes are very much welcome.

“I recognise that the Council is doing their best to accommodate the festivals and tourism, so that is really good. I’m also really happy with the collaboration which is taking place between the different parties and the community.”

Jo Hinde & Laura Campbell, Co-Chairs Dartmouth & District Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Dartmouth and District Chamber of Commerce welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Leader, Deputy Leader and officers from South Hams District Council (SHDC), to discuss a recent review of the Park & Ride service for the town. The Chamber, together with representatives of Dartmouth Town Council and our three District Councillors were able to provide the local context during the meeting to help the Council make informed decisions as part of their review.

“This was a great collaborative process which will help to shape the service to achieve SHDC’s objectives while continuing to meet the town’s needs. The Chamber looks forward to working with SHDC again when the community have responded as part of a meaningful process.”

To find out more information on the report discussed during Executive, go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/executive

The meeting can be viewed in full on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@SouthHamsCouncil

You can find all consultations linked on the Council’s website via their consultation portal on their website front page, at: www.southhams.gov.uk

£10k fine for South Hams’ resident’s illegal tree felling

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£10k fine for South Hams’ resident’s illegal tree felling

Issued: 12 March 2024

South Hams District Council has successfully prosecuted a resident who illegally cut down two protected trees within a woodland near Hope Cove in December 2022.

The Council investigates unauthorised work to protected trees and where appropriate these cases will move to prosecution when a person has deliberately damaged or destroyed a protected tree, often for personal or financial gain.

In this case a resident was responsible for cutting down two trees, breaching a Woodland Tree Protection Order. The resident contracted an independent gardening service to cut down the protected trees, who were unaware of their protected status.

The defendant received a fine of £10,000 and was ordered to pay costs totalling over £5,000. They will also be required to replace the trees which will be protected by the same Tree Preservation Order once planted.

As always, the Council’s focus is to educate first to prevent any damage or breach of tree regulations. However, harm to trees, woodland and hedgerows does still happen and action will be taken where necessary to protect the beautiful environment and our rich biodiversity for the residents and visitors of the South Hams.

For information and advice about trees and hedgerows and the laws protecting them can be found on the Council’s webpages, social media and by Council arborists’ specialist advice.

Cllr Dan Thomas, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Planning, said: “I am very pleased with the outcome of this case and more importantly with the clear message it sends. We never want to take our residents to court, but when planning law is deliberately ignored, we can and we will.”

For help and advice on:

South Hams waste service rollout declared a success

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South Hams waste service rollout declared a success

7 March 2024

Three months after big changes to waste and recycling collections in the South Hams were rolled out, the service has been declared a success.

On 20 November, South Hams District Council aligned the service that all residents were receiving, to make sure everyone living in the District could recycle the same materials, including food waste and glass.

The transition to putting everyone in the South Hams on the new kerbside collection service has gone smoothly, thanks to months of meticulous planning by Council staff and the hard work of drivers and loaders on the ground.

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, Executive Member for Waste, said: “Getting everyone onto the exact same service was a significant challenge for the Council after we brought the service back in-house in 2022. Yet it’s one that we’ve risen to, thanks to the collective efforts of our staff to make the changes as smooth as possible.

“Collection rounds went through painstaking planning, a robust communications strategy kept everyone well informed and as a result, the number of missed collections since 20 November have been significantly lower than expected.

“Now that everyone is receiving the same service, I’m hopeful that we can recycle even more in the future.”

Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “Our residents were very supportive while we made the changes, largely embracing them and supporting us through the transition period. Thank you to everyone.

“I’d also like to thank all our staff who have been involved with the rollout, including our drivers and loaders, who have been working their socks off on the ground to make sure the service runs smoothly.

 

“There’s still more to do – our recycling rate is currently 44.5%, a number that we are keen to improve. Recycling more of the materials we use is important in the fight against climate change, and it’s something we all can do to play our part. Devon has a county-wide target of a 65% recycling rate by 2035, so we all need to up our game.”

“We know everything’s not perfect, and some people are still experiencing difficulties, but we are in a much better position to deliver on our ambition of reducing overall waste.”

Most South Hams residents experienced some alteration to their service, either changing how they presented their recycling, or having a different collection day. For thousands of households, it meant they were using kerbside boxes, a white reusable sack and food waste caddy for the first time.

Months of meticulous planning has meant that the number of missed collections was significantly lower than expected. They are on a downward trend to meet industry standards of no more than 80 missed bin collections per 100,000 collections by April 2024.

The fact that all residents can now recycle food waste and glass means that the South Hams is now fully complying with the Government’s Simpler Recycling reforms, well ahead of their implementation in 2026.

The Council is now working on making more improvements to its entire waste service, including street cleansing.

The success of the service changes were discussed at the Council’s Executive Committee meeting on 7 March.

To find out more information, including reading the full report on the waste service, go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/executive

The meeting can be viewed in full on our YouTube channel

Council offers financial help for war pensioners and vulnerable

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Council offers financial help for war pensioners and vulnerable

Issued: 7 March 2024

Vulnerable residents and war pensioners and widow(er)s could soon receive extra financial support paying their rent after South Hams District Council’s Executive granted approval for two policies which offer financial aid.

Today, Thursday 7 March, the District Council who is responsible for managing Housing Benefit for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) discussed the first of two policies. The Discretionary Housing Payment Policy details how the Council decides it will support the District’s vulnerable residents who are struggling with the cost of living.

In the South Hams, residents who receive the housing cost element of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit are helped by the District Council through short term payments which can then be used to pay for rent or other housing costs.

Over the past year alone, £90,848 has already been spent to support 168 South Hams’ residents with £3,000 still existing for support. The Council expect a similar amount to be available for the coming year which is increasingly needed due to the rise in help asked for by residents who are struggling to meet their housing costs.

When calculating how much housing benefit residents receive, in some instances district councils have the choice to decide how much income should be deducted from income they receive, such as the War Disablement Pension and War Widow(er)’s Pension.

When discussing the second item of the meeting, the War Pensions Disregard Policy, and the importance of supporting veterans and their spouses who have fought for their country, the Executive wholeheartedly agreed to recommend continuing to discount the full 100% pension income.

Continuing to remove all this income from the assessment, means that pensioners receive more support when paying their Housing Benefit if Full Council agree the proposals at the next round of meetings on Thursday 21 March.

Cllr Nicky Hopwood, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Cost of Living and Service Quality, said: “It is crucial that we support our residents, especially during the cost of living crisis. It’s right that we do what we can with the money we have available and I’m pleased that the Executive have made this decision today.

"If agreed at Full Council towards the end of the month, this money will really help the people who have fought on our behalf and their husbands and wives who have suffered the loss of their loved ones, to keep us safe. Let’s now take a turn to help them when life is harder and give back.

“Both of these two aid policies support our residents, old and young, single and families. There is no script for who is struggling financially these days. Hopefully, this extra money will help give a bit of a relief from day-to-day difficulties and help to pay rent or some household bills. Let’s hope so.”

 

For support with the cost of living and many other issues, go to:

www.southhams.gov.uk/support-directory

To find out more information on the report discussed during Executive, go to:

www.southhams.gov.uk/executive

 

The meeting can be viewed in full on our YouTube channel:

www.youtube.com/@SouthHamsCouncil

Council on the lookout for community heroes

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Council on the lookout for community heroes

1 March 2024

South Hams District Council has a new award which will celebrate community heroes who go above and beyond to help local people every day.

So, do you know someone doing wonderful things for your community? Is there an organisation who are making a real difference to local people?

If yes, you can now shine a spotlight on their hard work by nominating them for a South Hams Community Award.

The Chairman of the Council along with a panel of judges, are looking for nominations in three categories:

  • The Young Persons Award (for under 18s)
  • The Community Champion Award (for over 18s)
  • The Community Organisation Award

Chairman of South Hams District Council, Cllr Guy Pannell, said: “Very often we hear of great things happening in our community, but we also know there is a lot of hard work which goes unrecognised.

“Our new awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people, and the organisations, who work tirelessly to support the communities they care about.

“Please take the time to nominate and highlight those who are making a real difference.”

Nominations for the South Hams Community Awards close at 11.59pm on Sunday 31 March 2024.

Find out more and nominate at  www.southhams.gov.uk/south-hams-community-award

District council supporting the community

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

District council supporting the community

Issued: 15 February 2024

South Hams District Council’s Full Council today, Thursday 15 February, has formally adopted its Council Plan for 2024-2028 along with the supporting delivery plan for the first year.

The Council agreed the four key policy areas needed to prioritise the climate change and biodiversity emergency, tackle the challenging housing situation, support the economy and deliver good quality services to the District’s communities.

For the next year, the Council has agreed to take forward the following projects all linked to the Council’s key priorities, to:

  • lead on environmental concerns and take direct action to combat climate change and biodiversity loss including supporting community energy groups, increasing electric vehicle charging points and developing a Keep It Local food scheme.
  • create and launch the South Hams Housing Offer. This new scheme will support communities and landowners to bring forward affordable housing in their area and help conversations with proven registered housing who working with communities.
  • deliver an independent living scheme (Disabled Facilities Grants) increasing the amount of funding available to residents.
  • improve the energy efficiency of 55 properties by awarding Homes Upgrade Grants.
  • delivery of a new temporary accommodation unit in Kingsbridge.
  • refurbish and improve local toilets including exploring potential for more Changing Places toilets as important facilities for residents with disabilities.
  • improve local sport and recreation facilities using developer contributions.
  • explore the idea of a pilot e-bike hub scheme with 10 hubs totalling 70 bikes.
  • buy land for tree planting with part-funding from Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest.

Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “I’m really pleased that the Council have agreed with the Executive and adopted The Council Plan. They are a robust set of sensible measures to address the very real challenges that we face in the District. These issues of housing, climate change, a troubled economy aren’t going to go away any time soon and we need to work alongside our community and give what support we can to move forward.

“Climate Change and housing issues are not mutually exclusive and we hope to do both. We can’t just sit by; we have to take personal responsibility and do something about it. We have to be holistic in our approach, we don’t have unlimited resources, but we will do what we can.

“We will reach our goals because despite our different party politics, we have the heart of the community at the forefront of what we are doing and that practical approach, together with our excellent financial management will always stand us in good stead.”

To find out more information on each of the reports discussed during Full Council, go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/full-council

The meeting can be viewed in full on South Hams District Council’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/@SouthHamsCouncil