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ITEM 2 NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY EXMOOR CONSULTATIVE AND PARISH FORUM MINUTES of the meeting of the Exmoor Consultative and Parish Forum held on Thursday 24 September 2015 at 7.00pm at The Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross. PRESENT Steven Pugsley Exmoor National Park Authority and Chairman of the Forum John Anson Parish Council Matt Barrow Connecting Devon & Adrian Branfield Exmoor Uprising Keith Branfield & Hawkridge Parish Council Ron Buckingham Parish Council Kevin Connell Winsford Parish Council Louise Crossman Invitee Marilyn Crothers Nettlecombe Parish Council Nigel Duke Luxborough Parish Council John Edwards Invitee Robert Edwards Parish Meeting Mike Ellicott Exford Parish Council Henry Harrington Invitee Suzette Hibbert Lynton and Lynmouth Town Council Bruce Heywood Exmoor National Park Authority and Council Duncan Jeffray The Exmoor Society Dan Jones Airband Ivor Jones Exmoor National Park Authority and West Somerset Council Eric Ley Exmoor National Park Authority and North Devon Council Ann Maidment CLA Brian Martin Exmoor Susan May Exmoor Trust Karen Mills West Somerset Council Robin Milton Exmoor National Park Authority Bernard Peacock Lynton and Lynmouth Town Council Sir Richard Peek Exmoor National Park Authority and North Molton Parish Council Fred Rawle Exton Parish Council Alastair Rodway Lynton and Lynmouth Town Council Nick Thwaites Town Council and West Somerset Council Debbie Wass Luxborough Parish Council Roger Webber & Without Parish Council Lizzie Whitchurch Cosmic Vivian White Exmoor National Park Authority and Cutcombe Parish Council Katherine Williams Exmoor Hill Farming Network Pat Williams Withypool & Hawkridge Parish Council James Wilmoth Parish Council

1. Apologies for absence were received from: Arabella Amory Invitee Andrea Davis Exmoor National Park Authority and Devon County Council Simon Derby Invitee Dr Roger Ferrar Invitee Lady Gass Invitee 1

Molly Groves Exmoor Uprising Nick Holliday Exmoor National Park Authority Jeremy Holtom Parracombe Parish Council Christine Lawrence Exmoor National Park Authority and Ann Mallelieu Invitee Ron Morrison-Smith Invitee Frances Nicholson Exmoor National Park Authority and Somerset County Council Keith Ross Dulverton Town Council Evelyn Stacey Exmoor Tourism Rachel Thomas The Exmoor Society Penny Webber Exmoor National Park Authority and Minehead & Selworthy Without Parish Council John Wibberley Exmoor National Park Authority Alan Wright Exmoor National Park Authority and Parish Council

National Park Authority staff in attendance: Nigel Stone, Chief Executive David Wyborn, Head of Planning & Sustainable Development Dan James, Sustainable Economy Manager Ellie Woodcock, Assistant Personnel and Corporate Support Officer

2. MINUTES: The minutes of the Forum meeting held on 11 June 2015 were agreed as a correct record. MATTERS ARISING: There were no matters arising.

3. QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR: There were no questions from the floor.

4. CONNECTING DEVON & SOMERSET AND CONNECTING DARTMOOR & EXMOOR: Dan James, Sustainable Economy Manager, gave an overview of these programmes and the following points were reported:  Connecting Dartmoor and Exmoor would aim to bring superfast broadband using wireless technology to some of Dartmoor and Exmoor’s remote rural areas.  The programme was being led by Connecting Somerset and Devon (CDS) which would bring superfast broadband to places that would not otherwise be connected by commercial providers.  In line with the Government’s current targets, three phases for this programme to give all access to superfast broadband were set: Phase 1 would increase superfast broadband access to 90% of all homes and businesses in Devon and Somerset, and to an estimated 60% of premises within the National Parks by the end of 2016. This phase was being delivered by BT using fibre to the cabinet. Additional funding secured through the Rural Community Broadband Fund would enable reach to be extended to 69% of premises within the Exmoor National Park. Phase 2 would increase superfast broadband coverage across Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks and reach an estimated 96% of premises by the end of 2017. In addition it would also give access to a minimum speed of 10Mbs to virtually all premises not covered by superfast in this area.

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Phase 3 would give superfast access to 100% of premises (anticipated by 2020, though central Government have yet to announce any funding or criteria).  Exmoor was hosting two pilot areas (Luxborough and Exmoor Parishes) using a mix of satellite and wireless technologies. This project would be testing the technology and customer experience, use and uptake, which in turn would inform future plans for the delivery of the final 5% in Phase 3.  In bringing this programme together and securing additional funding, much of the work undertaken “behind the scenes” by Authority staff was commended and without this commitment would have resulted in only 50% coverage being achieved. Matt Barrow, from Connecting Devon and Somerset, reported to the Forum progress and future activity of the programme, which included:  At the end of June 2015 over 50% of Phase 1 had been completed with 86% of premises capable of accessing superfast broadband. Timescales for cabinets, spend and premises passed were all on target. In July 2015, coverage to 4,067 premises on Exmoor was reported with more expected through BT Phase 1 and Airband. Additional funding had been secured through the Rural Communities Broadband Fund and the Broadband Innovation Fund.  As part of Phase 2, the Superfast Extension Programme would aim to increase superfast broadband availability to 95%. Airband were the successful tender to deliver improved broadband speed through a fixed wireless solution to Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks. Using local suppliers, work would start almost immediately and the completion date would now be due before the end of the 2016 deadline.  With regard to future activity, Phase 1 would be completed. The procurement process for a supplier(s) for the main Superfast Extension Programme would take place this autumn and by spring 2016, it was hoped a supplier would be identified. State Aid clearance would also be obtained during this time. The “take up” for superfast broadband would be extremely important. Customers were urged to shop around for the best package and it was estimated that a new superfast package would cost around £15 per month. Details of Airband subscription would be available soon. More information about accessing superfast broadband was available by:  Regular tweets when the latest cabinets go live via Twitter @DCCSCCBroadband  Visit www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk where you can search your postcode to check on superfast broadband in your area  Contacting your internet service provider to ask if superfast broadband is available to you  Contact Matt Barrow, Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Connecting Devon and Somerset, at [email protected] or visit www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk Lizzie Whitchurch, from Cosmic, introduced the ‘Get up to Speed’ programme (funded by Devon and Somerset Councils). This programme was being delivered by the Cosmic Peninsula Consortium, on behalf of Connecting Devon and Somerset. The programme would support and help businesses and communities by delivering training and advice across Devon and Somerset, improving ICT skills and knowledge. Communities would be shown the benefits of superfast broadband to isolated communities and businesses, such as keeping in touch with family or the use of social media for marketing a business. Successful workshops had already taken place which had proved to be popular and others could be arranged to take place at parish council meetings, village halls or at local pubs.

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For information on advice and support that could be given in your community, visit www.get- up-to-speed.co.uk. Dan Jones, from Airband, explained the company would deliver superfast broadband using wireless technology, similar to Wifi. Airband had 12 years experience of delivering wireless solutions in hard to reach areas and would provide fast internet using the latest in fixed wireless microwave technology, bringing speeds of 30Mbps to 1Gbps. The equipment was produced in Ashburton, Devon, and designed for this type of terrain. It was used worldwide so Airband were confident that this package would work on Exmoor. To ensure minimal landscape impacts, transmitters and receivers would be located on a range of existing structures in most instances, such as commercial masts, buildings, telegraph poles and trees. The units were small and designed to have a low impact on the landscape. With regard to cost, installation was quick and often much cheaper than fibre. Other benefits included:  There would be no need to dig up roads or landscapes.  Telephone services could be run through broadband without the need for a land line.  24 hour customer service.  Largest wireless network in the UK.  Cost and speed would be aligned to the rest of the UK. Airband were currently undertaking detailed surveys of Dartmoor and Exmoor to analyse strength, coverage and transmitter locations and a list of properties covered would be produced. For further questions or concerns, contact Dan Jones, Project Manager, dan.jones@air- band.net or 07883 464353. Dan James summarised the next steps:  During October planning applications for the siting of transmitters and repeaters would begin to be submitted.  By the end of October surveys would be completed and the information circulated to parish councils, followed by further regular updates.  During October and November a series of open community meetings would be organised to provide more information on the project and to answer any questions. Following the presentations, further issues discussed included:  Airband transmitters and receivers would need to be seen to receive broadband (they would not be able to transmit through a hill) and would still be operational in adverse weather conditions.  Upload speeds of 5Mbps and download speeds of 30Mbps would be achievable and these could go higher or lower depending on the tariff chosen.  Talks were taking place between CDS and EE with regard to getting mobiles onto the network which would be helpful to farmers working remotely providing contact in case of an emergency.  With regard to planning, Exmoor had been working closely with Dartmoor and Airband and do not foresee any problems as many would come under Permitted Development Rights. A planning protocol had been prepared, which the Authority would be happy to circulate, containing information to ensure that separate free-standing structures were acceptably sited and the requirements met in relation to listed buildings. Each case would be looked at individually and a judgement made as to whether the attachment would affect the character or fabric of a listed building. Siting equipment on outbuildings would be considered in those instances.  Some customers in the National Park may already be covered under Phase 1 and it was felt that internet service providers were unlikely to be proactive in giving information to 4

customers so people should check availability from time to time. Various websites where customers could check coverage against their postcode were available, such as: http://www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk/where-when/ http://www.superfast-openreach.co.uk/where-and-when/ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/broadband-delivery-uk  With regard to covering other rural areas in Somerset, when the map of both counties showing the areas that would be served by Phase 1 was viewed, concern was raised that 95% coverage could still be achieved without including Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks. CDS, therefore, identified a geographic area for a separate bidding exercise and because of the scale of Exmoor and Dartmoor, it would come under one bid.  In relation to cost, the same wholesale prices and deals would be offered as the rest of the UK. Householders would be able to purchase from any provider that chooses to use the Airband infrastructure depending on the package required.  This project had based the system design on high numbers of users; therefore, no problems were foreseen at this time regarding speeds slowing due to high use. However, as internet speeds, users and households increase, user levels would be monitored and actions taken to ensure service is maintained, e.g. via remote updates.  Airband would use the Western Power Distribution fibres that feed into the National Parks and these were reported to be extremely robust.  Concern was raised that some of the major suppliers were not on board and that commercial flexibility was limited, leading to higher prices. Although some suppliers were already committed, there would be no reason why larger organisations as well as smaller units should not be on board. As a publicly procured network, Airband would have to make a wholesale service available to other Internet Service Providers giving freedom of choice and offering the same deals as the rest of the UK, resulting in healthy competition.  Luxborough, which was currently a pilot area as part of the Superfast Satellite 4 Communities project, were keen to see a fibre line extended to the village and had been provided with a separate quote from BT. A meeting would be held in Luxborough soon to discuss this, with some considering Airband as an alternative provider if the BT scheme fails. CDS would continue to liaise with Luxborough on this issue.  It was confirmed that the Airband units could be sprayed in alternative colours if required for planning.

5. STATE OF FARMING IN EXMOOR 2015: Katherine Williams, from the Exmoor Hill Farming Network, presented the results of the Exmoor State of Farming Survey 2015 to the Forum and the following points were noted:  The Exmoor Hill Farming Network contracted the Countryside and Community Research Institute to undertake an update to the 2004 State of Farming on Exmoor Report.  Surveys were conducted and analysed, interviews were carried out and the survey was completed in May 2015.  Some of the key conclusions of the report included: - An increase in sheep numbers and a decrease in cattle numbers. - An increase in the number of younger farmers with larger holdings. - A decrease in the average age of farmers farming. - An increase in diversification, which was a key source of income for half of the farms surveyed. - An increase in the numbers of small holders. - An increase in renewable energy schemes although these still remained a small part of farm income.

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 With regard to some negativity reported from farmers towards ENPA planning department, it was felt this was related to the length of time and issues around registering applications, which was currently a problem across the country because of information requirements. The Authority ensured early engagement with farmers through discussions and visits to avoid problems occurring during the process. David Wyborn would be attending an event in October and providing planning information to farmers. It was also noted that for the last 8 years the Authority’s planning service had received 90% customer satisfaction and was becoming increasingly unusual in still offering free planning advice and site visits.  The differences in policies for barn conversions, diversification and business use in the old and new Local Plans were highlighted. It was confirmed that the Authority promoted the conversion of traditional barns in the old Local Plan but were widening their policies to include more modern buildings and diversification in the new Plan for land based enterprises. The changes to Permitted Development Rights by Government had also enabled development without planning permission regardless of the type of building.  It was noted that in comparison to other Upland areas in the UK, Exmoor had the least number of abandoned or derelict buildings.  The State of Farming Report was important as it added leverage and evidence that would support influences in policy.  The optimism of the number of younger farmers taking over farms that were keen to work, take over or come back to family farms was encouraging. The Exmoor Hill Farming Network was a two year funded project ending in February 2016. The Network offered funding support, training and advice, and had set up three peer support groups, a Forward Farming Group, Women in Farming Group and a Micro Farming Group. For more information on the work of the Network or for a copy of the report, visit www.exmoorhillfarmingnetwork.co.uk.

6. DEFRA GUIDE TO CROSS COMPLIANCE IN 2015: Unfortunately, representatives from RPA were unable to attend the meeting and it was suggested that ENPA would forward any questions/concerns onto the relevant agency for a response. The following issues were raised:  The implications for farming on Exmoor under the new regulations were of immediate concern and it was felt that changes to the agricultural support system would have much larger consequences than was expected.  It was reported that under Pillar 2 changes to Agri-Environment Schemes, Countryside Stewardships, Land Management Stewardships, Environmental Stewardships, UELS, HLS, ESAs, would have the greatest impact to supporting the landscape management on Exmoor.  It was reported that grassland farming would be ineligible for any support and that upland grassland farming would see a reduction in support, resulting in the whole of Exmoor area seeing a reduction in supported income.  The new schemes would be dual use and it was noted that applications submitted before policy had been set had been accepted.  Extensive lobbying had already taken place and would continue to do so. It was reported that the CLA had been lobbying for stewardship terms and conditions a month ago and together with the NFU would not give up on Upland Farming.  The Forum were reminded of a similar point reached in 2004 where major changes were being implemented, and by working together with the NFU, CLA, RDA and National Parks, some policy changes were achieved.

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7. FARMING ISSUES: There were no further farming issues raised.

8. PLANNING ISSUES: David Wyborn updated the Forum on the following planning issues:  The Government’s Mobile Infrastructure Project to help deliver mobile phone coverage in not-spots had experienced technical problems and the roll out of the programme had been significantly delayed. As a consequence, the Government announced the programme would end on 31 March 2016. Only those proposals that were already in the system and that could be agreed within the next two months, would go ahead. The Authority had managed to ensure that was covered and a planning application for a 30 m lattice mast on Haddon Hill would be considered by the Authority at its meeting on 3 November 2015. With regard to Winsford, Exton and Bridgetown, the Authority had submitted a solution but it was not pursued and no response was received regarding Withypool – only those that could be delivered were being concentrated on by the project consultants.  Recent Government Policy had reduced the ability to seek affordable housing on some housing sites; however, this had been struck out by the High Court as being unlawful and was withdrawn. Therefore, Exmoor National Park Authority would seek affordable housing sites in the National Park in accordance with the local planning policies.  With regard to retrospective applications, the Government announced that intentional unauthorised development would now become a material planning consideration in the determination of applications and appeals. It would be necessary to understand whether the works were intentional as often unauthorised development was unintentional and had been a mistake on behalf of the landowner. The following issues were discussed:  With regard to the Local Plan, 119 individual responses had been received, setting out over 366 individual comments. The majority of comments had been made in favour of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway and further development of business policies. The Authority was working through the comments received and considering whether to suggest revisions and the Plan would move to the next stage as soon as possible.  Discussion points were raised concerning the consultation on the Economy Prospectus, funding for economic regeneration, Local Plan policies regarding the scale of development (e.g. what would be small or large scale) and zero carbon, the reliance on car travel due to poor public transport, and sustainability in the wider context, including the need for housing.  The business policies were much wider than before and the Authority was considering the comments received from the consultation process. Although further consultation on the Economy Prospectus was yet to take place, the Authority had presented Exmoor’s position to the LEPs covering both counties and asked that the National Park be included and engaged with regarding economic development proposals. It was also noted that both Business Exmoor and local Councils were engaged with the National Park, and representatives from Business Exmoor invited to the Consultative and Parish Forum meetings.  In relation to the Prospectus, the importance of engaging with private businesses was highlighted as private investment in economic regeneration, as well as public funding, could also be considered. It was felt that any schemes developed should be appropriate and accessible to Exmoor businesses, ensuring that rural businesses on Exmoor were given priority.

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9. EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK PARTNERSHIP FUND: The meeting noted the recent successful applications to the Exmoor National Park Partnership Fund. In addition to this, the following points were raised:  The Forum was updated on the Historic Sign-Post Project which aimed to bring many of the historic sign-posts back into repair. It was focussing on covering parishes within Somerset County Council’s Dulverton and Exmoor wards. A survey of existing signposts was being undertaken, whereby parishes would register and record, by either phone app or paper forms, the state and composition of the signs in their parish. The conclusion of the survey was hoped to be available next month. It was suggested an application for funding to the Community Impact Mitigation Fund, through Hinkley Point, could be submitted to assist with this project and it was hoped that local contractors would be able to carry out the work. This highlighted the need to look at a more sustainable solution to their maintenance cycle in the future.  It was noted that the Porlock Marsh Vision had an App available on-line and had published its vision.

10. EMERGING ISSUES OR TOPICS FOR WIDER DEBATE: The following points were noted:  Winsford Parish Council requested advice on the buildings and building plots in the village that were dilapidated, and suggested some guidance on wider action that could be taken across Exmoor to improve the appearance of the villages, would be useful. It was agreed that this would be raised at the next Forum.  Concern was raised regarding the damage and litter left by vehicles staying overnight in open areas, such as on Winsford Hill. In particular, it was reported that serious damage to the moor and paths was taking place from those who drive across the moor in wet conditions. It was agreed to discuss this issue at the next Forum meeting as a separate item and a site meeting be arranged.

11. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting would be held on Thursday, 19 November 2015, at 10.30am.

12. OTHER BUSINESS OF URGENCY: There was none.

The meeting closed at 9.20pm

Chairman

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