The D&K Chairman, Robert Brooke, presented the following overview:
As before, our two main policies of Accountability and Renewal remain – with some progress since last year. We continue to hold official local bodies to account, where we can, and believe that the Society is now being taken seriously by DTC as a responsible and efficient organisation, although we still have concerns, particularly in our dealings with, and trust in, SHDC’s Councillors and Officers and their willingness to undertake meaningful consultations in an open manner.
We have not been helped by SHDC and DTC’s staffing problems which are partially due to the National Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) resulting in delays and dragging out of various initiatives, e.g. in the proposed Conservation Area extensions where discussions have continued for well over two years. Recently in February 2026 we were invited to attend a meeting between the SHDC Heritage Planner and DTC to discuss SHDC’s second set of draft proposals which seemed to be constructive. We provided draft minutes and agreed actions produced by the meeting, but did not receive any acknowledgment, leading us to a concern that Councillors were trying to drive things their way and were perhaps ignoring local views. We had particularly mentioned the area from Warfleet to The Castle which we recommended to be in the official Conservation Area to provide more protection. However, SHDC disagreed and claimed they had a legal opinion to support their view. For our part we requested sight of the legal opinion and were informed that no such opinion existed.
The Chairman then reported that, only to-day, 17th March, SHDC had supplied their document to DTC for public consultation. He also indicated that a review of the SHDC proposals had not been possible before this AGM so whether or not our proposals have been accepted is currently unknown and will be reviewed shortly. It appears to have been issued by the SHDC Executive but we are unsure whether the SHDC Portfolio holder re Conservation Area extension proposals has even visited Dartmouth to obtain a personal appreciation of the Dartmouth proposals.
Parking Permits
The Parking Permits exercise continues but, unfortunately, it appears that improved benefits from better and more frequent transport links under the Park and Ride service between Townstal and the lower town are not being considered. We had suggested that Permit Holders should be encouraged to use the Park and Ride leaving the Mayors Avenue car park more available for businesses and for daily visitors. We believe that Dartmouth is being unfairly used by SHDC as a ‘cash cow’DC to help reduce their financial difficulties currently being experienced by SHDC. As examples of this lack of thought, the cost of a roaming permit throughout South Hams is about £2,100 p.a., versus the proposed Dartmouth permit of approximately £2,500 – an unjust proposal – and several of the timings for parking in Dartmouth are impractical for visitors, businesses and employees.
Neighbourhood Plan
DTC regards the Neighbourhood Plan made in November 2022 as a valuable planning document which is taken seriously by DTC. They are now wishing to consult further with our Society to review the Plan in practice and to ensure that the DNP policies are being followed by them and SHDC.
Planning
We continue to review key planning applications for their relevance and significance and to submit comments or objections where appropriate which we do not feel comply with agreed policies. It remains our belief that better policy enforcement is required.
Warfleet Road closure
As reported in the Annual Report, the collapsed wall and road closure at Warfleet remains unresolved after nearly two years. An appalling situation. Currently we believe it has been accepted by Devon Highways that the road is their responsibility. Our understanding is that after a delay of nearly two years it has now apparently been agreed that the owner of the wall is responsible and we believe that he and his insurance company are prepared to proceed to replace the wall. However, there is disagreement about the quality and style of the repair with DCC apparently saying that replacement is not sufficient as improvement is needed. There is also concern about water leakage in and around the hole in the road itself which involves SW Water. This is another great concern. The relevant insurance companies are also involved in these discussions and we can only await developments.
Talks and Events
Our talks and events have been well attended. We are very grateful to our speakers – Commodore Jake Moores former submariner and BRNC Captain, Marion Marsall on her life as a former BBC World Service announcer, and local resident Tim Freeman with a talk on Arsenic – who all presented talks of outstanding quality and interest.
Website and Facebook
We are updating our website and Facebook pages and endeavouring to keep them full of our latest news and photographs together with forthcoming events – see <dandksociety.org.uk>. Many thanks to Anthony Downing and Rita Brunt Seymour our committee members involved in improving these communications.
Blue Plaque
As you will hear in the talk from Jonathan Turner on Vernon MacAndrew which follows this meeting, we are contributing to a Blue Plaque celebrating MacAndrew’s many achievements in and contributions towards the benefits for, and his generosity to, Dartmouth and its people. The plaque will be placed on Ravensbury House (now Paradise Point), where he lived for nearly 20 years.
A Challenge to our Membership
RB concluded by saying that he and the D&K committee hoped we were pursuing the right things and sought input from the membership. The Committee would welcome suggestions for the future.
Questions from the audience were taken:
Q. RAG toilets – what is happening?
A. The debate within DTC is likely to continue until mid-2026 with DTC having decided not to pursue Options 1 and 2 thereby not spending between £200,000-£250,000. We understand that a more modest improvement has been recommended.
Q. Regarding a development along Castle Road, a query on the length of time to complete (or even start) once planning permission had been granted.
A. Paul Talbot (D&K Planning Officer) responded by saying that there is no time limit on planning construction once planning permission has been granted and development commenced. It was suggested that members should contact the Planning Officer at SHDC for consultation and action.
Conclusion from the Chairman
RB concluded by thanking the D&K Trustees and Committee members for their invaluable help and expertise throughout the year. We have completed the transfer of Treasurer’s role from Jill Rowe to Alan Makepeace – with many thanks to Jill and best wishes to Alan.