Annual Parish Meeting Minutes
The Annual Parish Meeting was held on Wednesday 15-April 2025 at the Gildhouse. The Chairman of the Parish Council Cllr. Stephen Blake opened the meeting at 6:30pm. Parish Councillors present were Stephen Blake, Michelle Carter, Pamela Idelson, Tom O’Sullivan, Liz White, David Barton and the Clerk Mrs. Lynn Pluess.
On behalf of Poundstock Parish Council the Chairman, Cllr. Stephen Blake extended a warm welcome to all attending the Annual Parish Meeting. The minutes of the previous Annual Parish Meeting held on 18-May 2025 were circulated and without any comments or matters arising, were noted.
Report from Chair of Poundstock Parish Council Cllr. Stephen Blake.
For the last 12 months it has been an honour and a privilege to continue to serve as Chair of Poundstock Parish Council. Poundstock is not some sleepy backwater but a busy Parish that is popular with tourists and has, I am pleased to say, a community that takes a keen interest in what is happening. I am lucky that I work with a team of Councillors without whom this job would be impossible and the support of a Clerk without whom we would all be in deep trouble.
Of course, it has been another busy year. As many of you may know Cornwall Council approved our planning application for a new parish hall at Bangors Cross. As is usual, following that approval we then had to meet a number of quite complicated conditions. I am pleased to say that these were all finally passed at the beginning of this year. We have also acquired a site of approximately three acres for the new hall which will provide not only a suitable site for its location but ample parking and an outdoor area for a wide range of uses.
Work has continued on the substantial improvements to the toilets at Widemouth Bay car park and, amongst other things, we now have a new baby changing room. I am sure you will also be pleased to learn that the showers are being replaced and will be operational again in just a few weeks.
This past year it has been my pleasure to welcome two new Councillors to the team, Liz White and Dave Barton. In addition, we decided to create the new post of Assistant Clerk to assist the Clerk. I am delighted that Cllr Tom O’Sullivan has accepted this important position and has already demonstrated his value in the role.
Looking forward to the year ahead, I am sure there will be many interesting challenges but rest assured that your Council is here to support and serve our community.
Report form Cornwall Councillor Poundstock Ward Member Cllr. Nicky Chopak.
Cllr. Nicky Chopak addressed the meeting.
I would firstly like to extend my thanks to all the parish councillors who support Poundstock Parish Council (along with the clerk of course!) and do a sterling job of representing the residents of Poundstock. As many of you know I look after 9 parishes, so it becomes difficult to attend every meeting and every event, but I do my utmost to ensure any residents concerns are dealt with in the appropriate way. This last 12 months I have received over 1500 emails which relate to matters such as double yellow lines, neighbourhood disputes ,homelessness, anti social behaviour, rubbish and recycling collections (or lack of), planning queries, the lack of health services and the lack of public transport to name but a few.
In addition to the list above I am chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny committee for Cornwall, which in itself is more than an education and I see the NHS in a totally different light, to when I started this job! We must salute them in what are very difficult times.
As you may also know I am chair of the Community Area Partnership for North Cornwall. I am already getting a reputation for causing trouble but I am ensuring North Cornwall’s voice is heard with such issues as housing and young people being some of the items being discussed.
Hopefully this has given you a flavour, but please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any
concerns or issues which I may be able to help with.
Public Questions
No questions were raised by members of the public, although the opportunity to do was was provided.
MINUTES OF ORDINARY MEETING OF POUNDSTOCK PARISH COUNCIL HELD WEDNESDAY 15-APRIL 2026
An Ordinary Meeting of Poundstock Parish Council was held on Wednesday 15-April 2026 at 7.00 p.m. at the Gildhouse, Vicarage Lane, Poundstock.
1. To note persons present and receive apologies for absence: 125/26
In attendance were Cllr. Stephen Blake in the Chair and Cllrs. Michelle Carter, David Barton, Pamela Idelson, Tom O’Sullivan, Liz White and the Clerk.
Apologies were received from Cllrs. Eric Harris, Graeme Swatton and John Worth.
Members of the public present 1.
2. Declarations of Interests: None received. 126/26
3. Requests for Dispensation: None received. 127/26
4. Public Open Session: A resident attended the meeting and raised concerns regarding a licensing application relating to Widemouth Bay Cafe for the sale of alcohol consumption on and off the premises, with a representation deadline of 22-April 2026. Concerns expressed included public safety, potential noise and disturbance, unsociable behaviour, and the availability of customer toilet facilities. As the matter was not an agenda item, no formal decision could be taken by the Council. It was agreed that the Clerk would
bring the concerns raised to the attention of Cornwall Councillor Nicky Chopak for her information. 128/26
5. To resolve that the Minutes of the previous Full Council Meeting are an accurate record:
(a) Minutes of the Full Council: RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 18-March 2026 were a true and accurate record and were signed by the Chair (1 abs). 129/26
(b) Note any matters arising - None. 130/26
6. Correspondence to discuss and resolve a course of action with any associated expenditure:
Correspondence schedule was reviewed and NOTED. 131/26 30/03/2026 CALC - Public Realm Improvements and Weed Treatment - Information for Town and Parish Councils (x2). Correspondence from Cornwall Council regarding the proposed reintroduction of glyphosate
use for weed management on urban highways. Following discussion, it was unanimously RESOLVED to write expressing the Council’s strong opposition to the use of chemical weed control methods and to support the motion calling for a pause in the reintroduction of glyphosate pending further review. Concerns were raised regarding potential impact on wildlife, the environment and wider public health, requesting that alternative methods, including Foamstream and other non-chemical treatments, be fully considered. It was further noted that insufficient time had been allowed for Town and Parish Councils to review the proposal and that greater consultation and information was required. Members also raised concern that significant differences between urban and rural areas had not been adequately taken into account. 132/26
7. Planning Matters:
Planning Applications to discuss and make a consultee comment:
(a) Planning Applications to discuss and make a consultee comment: None received. 133/26
(b) To note any applications received from Cornwall Council by the time of the meeting:
PA26/01972 - Proposal: Non-material amendment in relation to decision notice PA22/01320 dated
17.03.2022: Change to the exterior finish of the building in all areas marked as render (standing seam
metal panels instead of the dark green render). Location: Paddock House, Bangors Green, Poundstock,
Bude EX23 0DP. 134/26
(c) Planning Decisions – NOTED https://www.poundstock-pc.gov.uk/planning-applications 135/26
8. Finance to discuss and resolve a course of action with associated expenditure:
(a) To note income, banking and investment statements - NOTED. 136/26
(b) To resolve to approve payment of outstanding accounts as per schedule.
RESOLVED unanimously to make payments as scheduled and to ratify the additional expenditure incurred in respect of the Widemouth Bay public toilet refurbishment works and approved the apportionment of invoices between contractors as presented. 137/26
(c) To receive and consider quarterly internal control check for the financial year 2025/26 - Deferred. 138/26
(d) To receive and note budgeting monitoring report for the financial year 2025/26 - Deferred. 139/26
(e) To appoint Internal Auditor. It was unanimously RESOLVED to appoint All Points Accountancy as Internal Auditor for the financial year 2025/26. 140/26
9. Agenda items to discuss and resolve a course of action and associated expenditure:
(a) To receive an update and consider next steps for a new hall for Poundstock - The Chair informed members that the application to the CIL fund for a £100,000 grant towards the new Hall was unsuccessful. Laurence Associates are continuing to prepare the technical drawings for the proposed new hall, which are underway and will be brought to the Council for approval upon completion. It was noted that Charity Fundraising Ltd are presently unable to progress grant funding applications until detailed cost figures are available, and it was
agreed that they be kept informed of developments and progress. 141/26
(b) To receive an update and consider next steps for the public toilets - It was reported that the current programme of refurbishment works to the public toilets at Widemouth Bay Toilets had been completed to date. Replacement of the shower mechanisms is to be undertaken shortly. It was further noted that replacement signage for the ladies, gents and baby changing facilities is required. Following discussions, it was unanimously RESOLVED to authorise expenditure up to £250.00 (plus vat) for the provision of the necessary signs, in view of the urgent need for clear signage, particularly for the newly refurbished baby changing area. 142/26
(c) To review any updates on View Point North Car Park (Cllr. Tom O’Sullivan) - The position of the Viewpoint North Car Park, situated within the parish of Marhamchurch and owned by Cornwall Council, which overlooks Widemouth Bay was considered, raised by Cllr. Tom O’Sullivan. Concern was expressed regarding the introduction of parking charges and the strength of feeling locally. Following discussions, it was unanimously RESOLVED to write to Marhamchurch Parish Council to invite informal discussions with Poundstock Parish
Council to consider any options that may be available in relation to the future of this site. 143/26
(d) To consider a quotation for LMP 2026 works and resolve to appoint a contractor - LMP2026 works were considered. It was noted that one quotation had been received from Tree Fella South West Ltd. Following discussion, it was unanimously RESOLVED to accept the quotation and appoint Tree Fella South West Ltd as contractor for the 2026 Public Rights of Way and South West Coast Path maintenance works. 144/26
(f) To consider quote for trimming grassed area around public toilets - The quotation for trimming the grassed area surrounding the public toilets at Widemouth Bay Public Toilets was considered. It was noted that one quotation had been received from Tree Fella South West Ltd. Following discussion, it was unanimously RESOLVED to appoint Tree Fells South West Ltd to undertake the works, with authority delegated to the Clerk to approve any additional cuts if required during the season. 145/26
10. To receive reports and authorise any action: 146/26
Poundstock Ward Member’s Report: Cllr. Nicky Chopak reported that application are now open for funding from the Community Chest fund for the current financial year. It was suggested that the bus shelter adjacent to the public toilets at Widemouth Bay may benefit from refurbishment and could be considered as a potential project. Cllr. Chopak also advised that the mental health day care unity in Bude has closed. It was further reported that the Expression of Interest for the Widemouth Bay traffic calming scheme has been deferred for a
further year, with additional evidence for speeding required in support of the proposal.
(b) Chair’s Report: The Chair referred to the recent comments on social media regarding the Widemouth Bay car park and wished to clarify, for the record, that the car park is owned and operated by Cornwall Council. It was further noted that Poundstock Parish Council had not been consulted regarding the proposed changes.
The Chair was pleased to report that the works will not result in two acres of concrete, but will involve a mesh system with appropriate drainage, which is to be reseeded upon completion. Whilst the area will not become green immediately, once growth is established it is expected to have a much softer visual impact.
(c) Clerk’s Report: The Clerk reported the emergency closure of Public Footpath 14 from 10-April to 10-October (24 hrs daily) due to a defective bridge. The Clerk also requested that consideration be given to renewing membership to the Society of Local Council Clerks for 2026/27. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk renew the membership for 2026/27 year at a confirmed cost of £200.00. 147/26
The Clerk reported receipt of an application relating to the proposed purchase of a grave space. Members were made aware of the request and an informal discussion took place for information purposes only. No formal decision was taken under this item. This matter is to be placed on the agenda of the next meeting for proper consideration and any resolution required.
(d) Assistant Clerk’s Report: The Assistant Clerk reported generally on Freedom of Information matters and advised there was nothing further to report at this time.
11. NDP Steering Group to receive reports and authorise any action and expenditure:
The Chair reported that the submission version of the Poundstock Neighbourhood Development Plan has been confirmed by the neighbourhood planning team as meeting the required legislative requirements following their checks. This version of the Plan will now be published on the Council’s website. It was further reported that the document is to be forwarded to Cornwall Council Legal and Finance for clearance. Once cleared, the report will be submitted to the Service Director for Planning and Housing for approval. Upon
completion of the decision sheet, Cornwall Council will then be able to commence the Regulation 16 public consultation process, following which an independent examiner will be appointed. 148/26
12. Council Representatives to receive reports from Outside Bodies: No reports were presented. 149/26
13. Portfolio Reports to receive reports and authorise any action and expenditure: 150/26
Planning Portfolio: Cllr. Michelle Carter reported that tankers removing sewage from Widemouth Bay have again been observed attending the area. This matter was raised in order to maintain awareness of the ongoing sewage issues affecting the area and to note that concern remains regarding existing infrastructure capacity.
14. Co-option of Parish Councillors: It was noted that there is one casual vacancy, and no further applications have been received to date. 151/26
15. Items for Information: None. 152/26
16. Notification of meeting and suggested items for the agenda: 153/26
The Annual Parish Council Meeting will be held at the Gildhouse, on Wednesday 20-May at 7pm.
Cllr O’Sullivan suggested that consideration be given to a formal scheme of delegation to the Clerk for routine cemetery administration and specified cemetery applications. It was noted that the matter would be placed on the next agenda.
17. PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSION TO MEETINGS) Act 1960
During the meeting it may arise that publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential or special nature of the business to be transacted and the press and public will be instructed to withdraw. When this arises, the Chair will recommend to consider passing the following resolution; “to resolve that in view of the confidential or special nature of the business to be discussed, the public are excluded and
instructed to withdraw’ - None. 154/26
18. Close the Meeting - Meeting Closed at 21:13. 155/26
FINANCE SCHEDULE 15-APRIL 2026
BANKING AND INVESTMENT STATEMENTS
Current Account Statement 30/03/2026 £31,805.45
Reserve Account Statement 20/03/2026 £2,808.72
CCLA Statement 31/03/2026 £53,985.05
Call Account Statement 31/03/2026 £325,023.90
INCOME
Barclays Bank UK Interest Earned 08-Dec 25 to 01-Mar 26 (DC) £148.98
Arthur Bryant Funerals Memorial - Jones (23/03/26) £60.00
Cornwall Council LMP 2025-26 Allowance (24/03/26) £2,593.20
Cornwall Council Precept Apr-26 Poundstock (07/04/26) BACS £27,170.50
TOTAL INCOME 15/04/2026 £29,972.68
EXPENDITURE
John Slater Planning Ltd Inv. 354 NDP Consultancy Advice (27/03/26) BACS £913.54
Laurence Associates Inv. 40999 Architectural Services (31/03/26) BACS £304.56
Form Consulting ENG Inv. 01586 Building Control Package (31/03/26) BACS £2,159.88
Starboard Services Ltd Inv. 17664 01 to 30 Apr (01/04/26) DD £50.40
British Gas Inv. 14409121 10-Mar to 01-Apr 26 Public Toilets (01/04/26) BACS £116.19
Robin Beagle Inv. 339 Public Toilets Baby Change Room (08/04/26) BACS £492.72
Paul Libretto Inv. 09.04.2026 Public Toilets Baby Change Room BACS £492.20
Robin Beagle Inv. 340 Public Toilets Meter Box Cupboard (08/04/26) BACS £80.00
Paul Libretto Inv. 09.04.2026 Public Toilets Meter Box Cupboard BACS £50.00
Robin Beagle Inv. 341 Public Toilets Cleaner’s Room (08/04/26) BACS £492.35
Paul Libretto Inv. 09.04.2026 Public Toilets Cleaner’s Cupboard BACS £362.65
T.J. Davies Ltd Inv. 084 Cleaning Public Toilets April 2026 (10/04/26) BACS £2,220.00
ICCM Membership Renewal 2026/27 (10/04/26) £110.00
Crystal Clear Inv. 65 Window Cleaning Public Toilets (13/04/26) BACS £59.00
Staff Costs Mth 1 BACS £853.72
HMRC PAYE/NIC Mth 1 BACS £327.94
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 15/04/2026 £9,085.15
For the full Parish Council minutes and future agendas, visit poundstock-pc.gov.uk
Council meetings take place at 7.00 pm on the first and third Wednesday of each month. In the summer, meetings are typically held at the Gildhouse, Vicarage Lane (EX23 0AU), in the winter, they are usually held at the Beach House, Widemouth Bay (EX23 0AW).
Contact Lynn Pluess 07768 100560 Website: www.poundstock-pc.gov.uk