Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the previous Council meeting on 29^th July 2025.

It was proposed by Councillor Keeling and seconded by Councillor Palethorpe and

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting of Thursday 29^th July 2025 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

It was proposed by the Leader Councillor Keeling and seconded by the Deputy Leader Councillor Palethorpe and

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting of Thursday 29 July 2025 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Announcements only from the Chair of Council, Leader, Members of the Executive or the Managing Director.

The Chair advised on his attendance at recent civic engagements which included the Devon Civic Service attended by the High Sheriff of Devon at Exeter Cathedral, and Newton Abbot Town Council Civic Service.

The Leader welcomed Councillor Kevin Smith recently elected at the Kenn Valley Ward by-election on 9 October 2025.

Councillor Nutley announced that following public campaigning the Cardiac services at Torbay Hospital would not be reallocated to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

None.

Members of the public may ask questions subject to procedural rules. A maximum period of 15 minutes will be allowed with a maximum period of three minutes per questioner.

In accordance with the Council’s procedural rules, the Chair of the Council, and the Leader responded to six members of the public, who asked questions relating to the Notice of Motion (NOM) at Minute 136a below, the refurbishment of Dawlish Leisure Centre and how values and compassion are built into our community.

The questions and responses were published prior to the meeting and made available to the questioners.

Supplementary questions were raised and can be viewed at the link below

https://democracy.teignbridge.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=165&MId=3652&Ver=4

The Chair of the Council to receive any petitions submitted by Members of the Council or Members of the Public.

None.

Members of the Council may ask questions of the Council subject to procedural rules. Members have no more than 1 minute to ask a supplementary question. The total time allowed/allotted for Member questions and answers is 30 minutes.

In accordance with the Council’s procedural rules, the Leader responded to one councillor question. 

The question and response were published prior to the meeting and related to the closure of the A382 in connection with housing development.

A supplementary question was asked and can be viewed at the link below

https://democracy.teignbridge.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=165&MId=3652&Ver=4

Members of the Council may submit Notices of Motion to the Council subject to procedural rules. The overall time limit for dealing with Notices of Motion is 60 minutes.

The following motion on Safeguarding Local Communities from Unconsulted Migrant Placements has been proposed by Cllr Steve Horner, seconded by Cllr Alex Hall and supported by the requisite number of Members within the procedural rules.

Background

Teignbridge cannot turn a blind eye to the growing national concern over the placement of individuals who have entered the UK illegally or through deception. Immigration policy may sit with central government, but the impact lands here—on our communities, our services, and our residents.

Recent cases across the country have raised serious questions about:

·       Housing pressure and competition for essential services

·       Safeguarding risks and community safety concerns

·       Erosion of public trust due to secrecy and lack of consultation

·       Criminal offences linked to placements made without local oversight

Our Council has a statutory duty to protect residents, uphold public safety, and ensure decisions affecting local resources are made openly and democratically.

While current numbers in Teignbridge are low, pressure for further placements is real—and will continue until national government tackles illegal migration effectively.

This motion calls for a clear stance:

·       No secret deals. No silent placements. No compromise on safety.

·       Full transparency, full consultation, and full accountability.

Motion

Teignbridge District Council resolves to:

1.     Guarantee transparency: Publish all communications on migrant placements and put residents’ welfare and housing needs first.

2.     Demand safeguards: Refuse any placement where immigration status is unverified or safeguarding checks are incomplete.

3.     Stand firm: Oppose and challenge any external placements made without prior consultation, using every legal and planning tool available.

The Chair referred to the Notice of Motion (NOM) as set out on the agenda, proposed by Councillor Horner, seconded by Councillor Hall and supported by the requisite number of Councillors within the procedural rules to enable it to be considered at the meeting.

The Head of Housing responded to the NOM advising that:

• The term migrant referred to those moving to a local authority area from other parts of the country, those moving to the UK from abroad, refugees and those seeking asylum in the UK. The NOM specifically related to asylum-seekers.
• Asylum seekers are not entitled to welfare benefits or allowed to undertake paid work. The Home Office is responsible for their accommodation and for their subsistence while their asylum claim is considered.
• Local authorities are not consulted on the individuals placed in such accommodation. Such placements are made directly by the Home Office or its approved contractor. The Council is notified of the name of the individuals placed in the accommodation.
• Where asylum is granted, they will at this point be entitled to welfare benefits, to seek paid employment and be entitled to assistance under homelessness legislation.
• The Council is responsible for safeguarding all residents, regardless of background or immigration status. Where safeguarding concerns are identified, they are addressed through established statutory processes embedded within public services, in line with our legal duties.
• 0.02% of Teignbridge population are Asylum Seekers in dispersal accommodation (no hotels are being used for dispersal).
• The NOM identifies three areas: transparency, safeguarding and refusing placements and challenging external placements:
• The Council is committed to transparency in all matters relating to migrant placements, but this must be within relevant legal bounds, and whilst continuing to support the welfare of all residents. Publicly providing the address of an individual property that is being or to be used for asylum dispersal would be in breach of UK GDPR.
• There are established safeguarding arrangements in place within the Council and across relevant agencies, applied to support the welfare of all residents in Teignbridge including asylum-seekers.
• The Council does not have the ability to refuse the placement of any individual person or household in asylum-seeker accommodation in the District.   

Councillor Horner presented his NOM as set out on the agenda, adding that there had been a net migration of 2.6 million in the last 2 years, an unsustainable demand on the NHS, and all immigration should be positive. 

During the debate issues raised included: the focus is on safeguarding and integration, the safety of all residents including immigrants, legal responsibilities including compliance with GDPR and that the NOM is contrary to the Council’s core responsibilities.

In response, Cllr Horner advised on 2024 statistics relating to offences by immigrants.

In accordance with section 4.13.5 of the Constitution a recorded vote was taken on the NOM and the Members voting for, against or abstaining from voting is as follows:

FOR the NOM: Councillor Horner - 1

AGAINST the NOM: Councillors Atkins, Bullivant, Buscombe, Cox, Foden,

Gearon, Hall, Hayes, Hook,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 136a

The following motion on Celebrating the Contribution of Overseas Born and Asylum-Seeking Residents has been proposed by Cllr David Palethorpe, seconded by Cllr Jackie Hook and supported by the requisite number of Members within the procedural rules.

Council notes:

1.     Teignbridge has a proud tradition of welcoming refugees into our community including most recently from Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine, and these people have become our friends, our neighbours and our work colleagues

2.     That Teignbridge and the wider South Devon region are enriched by the skills, compassion, and dedication of residents born outside the United Kingdom. Census 2021 data show that around 7 percent of Devon’s population were born abroad, with one in every two adults in South Devon and Teignbridge having at least one parent or grandparent born outside England.

3.     That overseas-born residents contribute to every aspect of life in our district and region, including:

o   Tourism and hospitality, which are essential to South Devon’s economy, welcoming millions of visitors each year and employing thousands of staff, many of whom are overseas nationals bringing language skills, cultural understanding, and a warm welcome that define our visitor experience.

o   Health and social care, where the Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust employs 7,198 staff, of whom 10.4 percent identify as from a Black or Minority Ethnic background, and 5 percent were recruited from outside the UK. International doctors, nurses, carers, and allied health professionals are indispensable to the safe and effective running of our hospitals, care homes, and community services.

o   Education, where 16.8 percent of teachers in England identify with an ethnic minority group, and Devon’s schools depend upon international teachers in STEM, languages, and special education to ensure continuity of learning and broaden students’ perspectives.

o   Public safety and national service, where over 8 percent of all Regular Armed Forces personnel are non-UK nationals, including more than 4,000 Gurkhas and thousands of Fijians and Commonwealth citizens serving our country with courage and distinction. Many settle and remain in South Devon after service, continuing to contribute to civic life and community safety.

4.     That humanitarian arrivals under the Ukrainian and Afghan resettlement schemes number around 314,595 UK-wide (up to June 2025) (c.0.5 percent of the population), yet their presence locally has brought cultural richness, volunteerism, and new skills to Teignbridge’s communities.

5.     That several local community and voluntary organisations, faith groups, and charities work tirelessly to support refugees, migrants, and those experiencing housing or financial insecurity, often with limited resources but immense dedication.

Council believes:

·        That Teignbridge’s strength lies in its diversity — in the compassion, creativity, and hard work of all who make this district their home.

·        That every resident, regardless of birthplace or background, deserves dignity, respect, and opportunity.

·        That the positive contribution of overseas-born residents should be recognised, celebrated, and woven into the story of Teignbridge’s success.

Council therefore resolves to:

1.     Commits to work with Government to ensure Teignbridge continues to play its part in welcoming those seeking asylum in our country.

2.     Formally  ...  view the full agenda text for item 136b

It was proposed by Councillor Palethorpe and seconded by Councillor Hook and

RESOLVED

That the Council:

1.      Commits to work with Government to ensure Teignbridge continues to play its part in welcoming those seeking asylum in our country.

2.     Formally recognise and celebrate the contributions of all overseas-born residents to Teignbridge’s economy, culture, and public life — especially in the tourism, health, safety, and education sectors.

3.     Express its gratitude to overseas-born members of the Armed Forces, including the Gurkhas and Fijian personnel, for their service and sacrifice.

4.     Acknowledge the essential role of international health and social care staff in sustaining our NHS and care services across South Devon.

5.     Recognise the dedication of international teachers and education professionals who help nurture and inspire our young people.

6.     Reaffirm the Council’s commitment to equality, human dignity, and inclusion under the International Law, Equality Act 2010 and the Council’s own Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

7.     Stand in solidarity with local charities, voluntary groups, and community organisations that support refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable individuals, and explore opportunities for partnership and recognition.

8.     Reject discrimination in all forms, affirming Teignbridge as a district that is open, welcoming, and enriched by the diversity of its residents.

The Chair referred to the Notice of Motion (NOM) as set out on the agenda, proposed by Councillor Palethorpe, seconded by Councillor Hook and supported by the requisite number of Councillors within the procedural rules to enable it to be considered at the meeting.

The Head of Housing responded to the NOM advising that the data provided in relation to persons born outside of the UK and humanitarian arrivals under Ukraine and Afghan resettlement schemes have been verified as accurate against the data sources provided within the NOM.

Councillor Palethorpe presented his NOM as set out on the agenda.

During the debate issues raised included: 8.4% of the armed forces are non-nationals, the NOM gives no action, and other comments of support for the NOM was expressed.

An amendment to the NOM was proposed by Councillor M Smith and seconded by Councillor Hall that:

The title of the NOM Celebrating the Contribution of Overseas-Born and Asylum-Seeking Residents be amended to read Celebrating the Contribution of legal overseas-born, and refugee residents; an additional 6 under the heading The Council notes to read the Council notes that the majority of migrants to the UK are by legal means, and an additional 7 to read the Council notes that asylum seekers have a reasonable style of living while awaiting asylum.

The amendment was LOST by 4 votes for and the majority against.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor J Taylor and seconded by Councillor Macgregor that the 8 recommendations of the NOM be deleted and the NOM is rewritten as one overarching statement.

The Chair confirmed that the amendment was not permitted under the Procedure Rules relating to NOMs because it materially altered and changed the meaning of the NOM.

Councillor P Parker left the meeting and was not present for the remainder of the meeting.

A further amendment was proposed by Councillor Macgregor and seconded by Councillor J Taylor that the Council investigates supporting migrants in the District with induction on laws, values and community integration providing a full guide to newcomers to the District.

The amendment was LOST 8 votes for, the majority against and 8 abstentions.

A vote was taken on the original NOM as set out on the agenda, proposed by Councillor Palethorpe and seconded by Councillor Hook.

In accordance with section 4.13.5 of the Constitution a recorded vote was taken on the NOM and the Members voting for, against or abstaining from voting is as follows:

FOR the NOM:  Councillors Buscombe, Cox, Foden, Gearon, Hayes, Hook, James, Keeling, Major, Morgan, Nutley, Palethorpe, Parrot, Radford, Rollason, Sanders, K Smith, Steemson, Swain, G Taylor, Williams, Wrigley - 22

AGAINST the NOM:  Nil

ABSTENTIONS:  Councillors Atkins, Bullivant, Clarance, Hall, Horner, Jackman, Macgregor, Mullone, Peart, Rogers, Ryan, M Smith, J Taylor, Thorne  -14

The NOM was declared CARRIED

RESOLVED

That the Council:

1.      Commits to work with Government to ensure Teignbridge continues to play its part in welcoming those seeking asylum in our country.

2.     Formally recognise and celebrate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 136b

To adopt the One Teignbridge Council Strategy Action Plan 2025-2030.

It was proposed by Councillor Keeling and seconded by Councillor Palethorpe and

RESOLVED

That the Council adopts the One Teignbridge Council Strategy Action Plan 2025-2030 as the document to be used to guide the strategic priorities and projects of the Council for the next 5 years.

Consideration was given to the agenda report explaining the content of the Action Plan which contained specific projects and business initiatives that would be the priority of the Council for the next five years. These projects and initiatives were designed to achieve the 6 strategic priorities agreed in the One Teignbridge Council Strategy of: Community; Economy; Environment; Homes; Infrastructure; and The Way We Will Work.

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor Keeling and seconded by the Deputy Leader Councillor Palethorpe that the action plan be adopted as set out in the agenda report.

In response to points raised, the Head of Strategy and Partnerships advised that projects would progress with available funding.

The proposal was put to the vote, and it was

RESOLVED

That the Council adopts the One Teignbridge Council Strategy Action Plan 2025-2030 as the document to be used to guide the strategic priorities and projects of the Council for the next 5 years.

To seek Full Council agreement to the updated Scale of Costs and to delegate future changes to uplift fees in line with Government guidance and national pay agreements to the Section 151 Officer.

It was proposed by Councillor Keeling and seconded by Councillor MacGregor and

RESOLVED

That the Council:

1.     Apply the updated Scale of Costs (Appendix A) to District and Parish Council elections within the Teignbridge local authority area; and

2.     Agree to amend the Council’s Constitution to delegate approval of future changes to uplift fees in line with government guidance and national pay agreements to the Section 151 Officer.

The Council considered the report to seek agreement to the updated Scale of Costs and to delegate future changes to uplift fees in line with Government guidance and national pay agreements to the Section 151 Officer. Councillor Keeling introduced the item.

It was proposed by Councillor Keeling and seconded by Councillor MacGregor and

RESOLVED

That the Council:

1.     Apply the updated Scale of Costs (Appendix A) to District and Parish Council elections within the Teignbridge local authority area; and

2.     Agree to amend the Council’s Constitution to delegate approval of future changes to uplift fees in line with government guidance and national pay agreements to the Section 151 Officer.

In accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, to seek approval of the seat allocations with effect from Thursday 23^rd October 2025.

It was proposed by Councillor Keeling and seconded by Councillor Palethorpe and

RESOLVED

That the Council:

1.     Approve the Committee seat allocations as set out in the Appendix.

2.     Asks Group Leaders to advise the Democratic Services Manager of any changes required to Committee Membership within 24 hours of the change occurring.

The Council considered the report in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, to seek approval of the Committee seat allocations as result of the Kenn Valley by-election on Thursday 9^th October 2025.

Councillor MacGregor spoke to this item regarding the legal implications and Section 17 of the Act. The Democratic Services Manager and Deputy Monitoring Officer responded orally to this.

It was proposed by Councillor Keeling and seconded by Councillor Palethorpe and

RESOLVED

That the Council:

1.     Approve the Committee seat allocations as set out in the Appendix.

2.     Asks Group Leaders to advise the Democratic Services Manager of any changes required to Committee Membership within 24 hours of the change occurring.

At its meeting on 1^st September 2025, the Appointments and Remuneration Committee recommended that Full Council that the Head of Financial Services and Audit is appointed as Section 151 Officer to cover the period from the retirement of the current post holder (Director of Corporate and Section 151 Officer) to the appointment of their successor.

The minutes for this meeting can be viewed: Agenda for Appointments & Remuneration Committee on Monday, 1st September, 2025, Teignbridge District Council

It was proposed by Councillor Bullivant and seconded by Councillor Radford and

RESOLVED

That the Head of Financial Services and Audit is appointed as the Section 151 Officer to cover the period from the retirement of the current post holder and to the appointment of their successor.

The Council considered the recommendation from the Appointments and Remuneration Committee from its meeting on 1^st September 2025.

It was proposed by Councillor Bullivant and seconded by Councillor Radford and

RESOLVED

That the Head of Financial Services and Audit is appointed as the Section 151 Officer to cover the period from the retirement of the current post holder and to the appointment of their successor.

At its meeting on Tuesday 9^th September (see minute 163), the Executive recommended that Full Council note the Draft Treasury Management Results for 2024/25.

The minutes and associated reports can be viewed: Agenda for Executive on Tuesday, 9th September, 2025, Teignbridge District Council

The Council considered the recommendation from the Executive at its meeting on 9^th September 2025 and noted the Draft Treasury Management results for 2024/25.

At its meeting on 14^th October 2025, the Licensing and Regulatory Committee agreed to refer the Statement of Licensing Policy to Full Council for approval.

The minutes and associated reports can be found at: Agenda for Licensing and Regulatory Committee on Tuesday, 14th October, 2025,

It was proposed by Councillor Hayes and seconded by Councillor Radford and

RESOLVED

That the Council approves the Statement of Licensing Policy.

The Council considered the recommendation from the Licensing and Regulatory Committee at its meeting on 14^th October 2025 to approve the Statement of Licensing Policy.

Councillor MacGregor spoke to this item in relation to service level agreements with stakeholders and service users.

It was proposed by Councillor Hayes, seconded by Councillor Radford and

RESOLVED

That the Council approves the Statement of Licensing Policy.

To seek Members’ agreement to progress the Sherborne House car park affordable housing project into construction, and to request delegated authority to enter into a building contract provided that the financial condition is met.

The Council considered the report to seek Members’ agreement to progress the Sherborne House car park affordable housing project into construction, and to request delegated authority to enter into a building contract provided that the financial condition is met.

Sherborne House Car Park is a council-owned brownfield site, located in Newton Abbot town centre. Historically this was the location of a bus station. More recently the land has been used for private car parking. The site is now vacant awaiting redevelopment.

On 29 November 2022 Full Council agreed to progress the site to a submitted planning application as part of the Teignbridge 100 housing development programme. Planning permission (reference: 23/01897/MAJ) was granted, on 23 August 2024, to provide “23 dwellings including outside amenity space” on the Sherborne House Car Park site.

On 4 November 2024 the Executive agreed to progress the project to a stage where the proposed development could be put out to tender.

Councillor Buscombe introduced the report and gave an overview of the project, highlighting the types of dwellings and their energy efficiency and the financial elements of the project. Particular attention was drawn to the brownfield site and the provision of one and two bed accommodation.

Councillor Bullivant spoke against the project on the financial elements and length of time to build the project as opposed to buying open market properties.

Councillors MacGregor, Wrigley, Hook, Sanders and Swain spoke in support of the project, thanking Councillor Buscombe and the Housing Team, highlighting the involvement of Shadow Executive Members and drawing attention to the project reducing waiting lists for social housing, the energy efficient home, that it is on a brownfield site, the provision of accommodation and opportunities for downsizing.

Councillors Rogers and Mullone asked for further clarification on the funding arrangements with Homes England with Councillor Rogers asking additionally about the Council’s approach to promoting downsizing of properties. Officers responded to these points orally, stating that grants would be applied for if the project was approved and that these homes would be attractive for those seeking to downsize and the Council would work to facilitate this.

Councillor Atkins asked for clarification on the public notice of the project and preferred contractor. Officers responded to this point orally highlighting the Council’s procurement policy.

Councillor Hall asked for clarification on the value of the current site.

Council is recommended to pass the following resolution:

That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that it/they involve(s) the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

It was proposed by the Leader Councillor Keeling, seconded by Councillor Rogers and

RESOLVED

The press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

It was proposed by Councillor Buscombe and seconded by Councillor Jackman and

RESOLVED

That the Council:

1.     Approve the Sherborne House car park project for the design and construction of twenty-three Social Rented flats, associated infrastructure and external works.

2.     Approve the update of this project within the Capital Programme and accordingly to increase the Capital Programme and allocation of expenditure for the project to £7,243,317.

3.     Authorise the Director of Customer Experience & Transformation, in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing and Homelessness and the Chief Finance Officer, and following the determination of the grant applications set out in the report, to enter into the contract for the development with Nevada Construction provided that the project achieves a minimum 1% return on the Council borrowing.

In response to Member questions, advice was given on the value of the land, the contract and tender procedure.

Councillor M Smith left the meeting.

Councillor Keeling left the meeting.

Following the conclusion of the discussion on the report it was proposed by Councillor Palethorpe, seconded by Councillor Sanders and

RESOLVED

That the press and public be re-admitted to the meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Buscombe, seconded by Councillor Jackman and

RESOLVED

That the Council:

1.     Approve the Sherborne House car park project for the design and construction of twenty-three Social Rented flats, associated infrastructure and external works.

2.     Approve the update of this project within the Capital Programme and accordingly to increase the Capital Programme and allocation of expenditure for the project to £7,243,317.

3.     Authorise the Director of Customer Experience & Transformation, in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing and Homelessness and the Chief Finance Officer and following the determination of the grant applications set out in the report, to enter into the contract for the development with Nevada Construction provided that the project achieves a minimum 1% return on the Council borrowing.